Owner Terry Lang stands in his bar, which was closed as a precaution to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, in Beijing on June 19. All bars and restaurants in the building were closed following a new outbreak of the coronavirus. Tens of thousands of people in the Chinese capital are being tested for the contagion while neighbourhoods have been locked down and schools closed as authorities seek to contain a cluster linked to the Xinfadi food market.
On Sunday, Beijing reported another 22 cases out of the 26 new infections nationwide, taking the number in the capital city to 227 people, nearly all linked to the Xinfadi whole food market in south-western Fengtai district. Among the worst hit have been Japanese restaurants, after news broke that the coronavirus was found on a chopping board for imported salmon at the Xinfadi market.
"Our staff's safety is most important. Even though the infection numbers were still low, we didn't want them to take the risk. We also have a responsibility to our diners," said Niu of his restaurant, Beyond Yakitori, in Sanlitun.