Beijing, China- Li Ang, the deputy head of the Beijing Health Commission has announced that from next week Monday, people will need to show proof of vaccination to enter a wide range of public places.
The public places include cinemas, libraries, museums, gyms, stadiums and training centers. However, people who are not suitable for vaccination will be exempted from the requirement.
“Except for those who are not suitable for vaccination, only visitors who have received COVID-19 vaccines will be allowed to enter many public sites, including educational institutions, libraries, museums, movie theatres, art galleries, cultural centers, stadiums, fitness centers, entertainment venues and internet cafes.
Other places requiring visitor restrictions and reservations will give priority to those who have been vaccinated. We also encourage seniors who often visit seniors’ universities, activity centers and fitness and entertainment venues to get the COVID-19 vaccine as early as possible.
Under the current situation of epidemic prevention and control, vaccination is still an effective way to prevent being infected and prevent conditions from further worsening,” said Li.
In addition, Li, said as of Wednesday noon, the city has given over 62 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to over 23.4 million people, including around 3.61 million people aged above 60.
The vaccine mandate comes as Beijing reported three cases of the BA.5.2 Omicron subvariant, which is highly transmissible and capable of escaping antibodies. An outbreak of the new subvariant has already shut down the northwestern city of Xi’an, where entertainment, sports and religious venues have been closed and restaurants limited to takeaway and delivery services until next Wednesday.
China’s health code systems which are used to show proof of vaccination do not currently recognize foreign COVID-19 vaccines, and those who were inoculated abroad have not been able to get their vaccinations registered.
