In the face of the latest COVID-19 resurgence in Beijing, the city's biggest wholesale market, Xinfadi, has stepped up epidemic prevention measures to ensure that the supply of vegetables to the capital remains sufficient.

The daily supply of vegetables in Xinfadi on May 18 stood at more than 19,000 tonnes, which remained stable. The weighted average price of vegetables was 3.33 yuan/kg, dropping to the lowest price this year.

In order to avoid infection risks, the public was asked to provide health codes and nucleic acid testing results before entering the market. They must also wear N95 masks to enter.

Zhang Yuelin, general manager of Xinfadi Market, said that at present, the drivers and passengers of vehicles transporting agricultural products from other places to the capital must provide negative nucleic acid test results taken within the past 48 hours, and all other personnel must present negative results taken within the past 24 hours before entering the market. Those who have not completed booster dose vaccinations are also prohibited from entering the market.

The market provided antigen self-testing kits to all merchants in the market free of charge and also set up free nucleic acid detection points. All merchants, drivers, and passengers were asked to undergo daily nucleic acid and antigen testing.

In addition, the workers at the market disinfect public and indoor spaces such as public toilets, shops, elevators, and garbage disposal rooms three times a day.

Despite all restaurants suspending dine-in services in Beijing, the merchants in Xinfadi were busier than usual.

"Though we're receiving fewer orders from restaurants, the demand for vegetables in supermarkets and via fresh food e-commerce companies has increased significantly," said Gu Zhilong, a merchant specialized in selling beans.