Measures have been strictest in the southwestern district of Fengtai, home to the sprawling Xinfadi wholesale market, thought to be the origin of the latest outbreak that emerged late last week, which has infected 106 people.

Some gyms have closed, and swimming pools across the city, which only re-opened earlier this month, have been told to shut again. The same applies to places of worship, including Yonghe Lamasery, a popular landmark, hurting nearby businesses…

Some companies asked employees to work from home again, and temperature screening and other checks, including travel history QR codes and passes, were enforced with renewed vigour.

“Now it’s much harder to get into some places, some (residential) compounds, alleyways and the like,” said a delivery worker surnamed Yang, 35, as he hauled a large trolley of packages.