Xinfadi Market reopens in Beijing

Beijing’s largest fruit and vegetable wholesale market reopened on 15 August, two months after it was shut down in response to a Covid-19 outbreak. According to a report by Xinhua, only one section of the market will reopen initially, accounting for about 60% of normal transaction volumes for fruit and vegetables, while the remaining sectors are scheduled to resume business before 10 September.

The market, which provides around 70% of Beijing’s vegetables, was closed on 13 June, with 335 confirmed Covid-19 cases linked to infections in the market. No further confirmed cases have been linked to the market since early July.

Zhou Xinchun, executive deputy head of Fengtai District, said in a press briefing new measures will be introduced to help prevent future outbreaks. One major step is that the market will cease its retail business, closing its doors to individual consumers and sellers and buyers will be required to complete authentication before entering the market for transactions.

A 1,000m2 vegetable market has been set up outside the wholesale market to meet the demands of nearby residents. Traders must register information on their farm produce and the market will pilot electronic trading to ensure that all the commodities and transactions are traceable. Other hygiene and safety measures such as once a day disinfecting and temperature checks will also be implemented.