Beijing closes produce market over new virus cases (Updated by 7.00 am Saturday)

Starting from 3 am Saturday, Beijing closed one of the city's largest farm produce markets, Xinfadi, in response to the emergence of six new local cases of COVID-19 within two days.

The wholesale market selling fruits, vegetables and meat will be disinfected, after personnel working there and the surrounding areas tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

All personnel in the market will undergo nucleic acid testings, according to a statement jointly issued by the market regulation bureau and the health commission of the district.

To ensure the market supply, special sections have been set up for sales of vegetables and fruits, said the statement.

Covering a total area of 112 hectares, the Xinfadi market has some 1,500 management personnel and more than 4,000 tenants.