BEIJING, April 25 (TMTPOST) — China’s capital city Beijing is encouraging local companies to allow their employees to work from home so as to avoid the risk of spreading Covid-19 amid a new wave of outbreaks.

Xu Hejian, a spokesperson of the Government of Beijing Municipality, said on Monday at a press conference on pandemic control and prevention that companies can adjust their working arrangement and encourage remote work. Xu added that the city government encourages companies to set different clock-out time to avoid the forming of crowds.

He adivsed Beijingers not to leave the city unless it is urgently needed. He also cautioned against dining in a restaurant or gatherings of people from different households.  

It is reported that 29 new Covid-19 cases have been detected between 16:00, April 26 and 16:00 April 25 in Beijing. Most new transmissions were spread among interior renovations workers, elderly tourists and students.

Since April 22, Beijing has reported 70 domestic Covid-19 infections, involving eight districts in the capital city.

The resurgence of Covid-19 outbreak has caused panic buying in Beijing as residents fear they might face lockdown measures similar to those in Shanghai.

Statistics from Meituan Maicai, an on-demand fresh produce ordering app in China, reported that there has been a sharp surge in market demand for groceries, especially in controlled areas with high risk of exposure to Covid-19. Some Meituan Macai’s physical outlets have seen a hike of over 300% in the number of online orders.

Meituan Maicai has been increasing its stock in response to the growing demand. The platform said it would work to ensure the provision of goods and stable prices.

The online platform denies rumors of supply shortages, saying that it has been able to maintain supply security and price stability. The temporary shortage of goods and delivery delay were caused by a sudden spike in demand, Meituan Maicai said.