With no new imported or local case reported on 5 May, Beijing has kept a record of zero imported or local case for 20 days running. Xu Hejian, the spokesperson for the municipal government, pointed out that there is still considerable pressure in forestalling case import as the virus continues to spread rapidly in other parts of the world and over 3.43 million cases have been confirmed outside China.

Xu stressed that lowering the COVID-19 response posture does not mean the alarm is off. While the recent Labor Day holidays passed off in a safe, smooth and orderly manner, it is only the groundwork for continued improvement in the epidemic control situation. Xu underscored the imperative to follow the overarching guideline of preventing both case import and domestic resurgence, stay on alert and spare no effort to ensure effective containment for key population groups, key sites and special areas. By doing so, the capital city may lock in the gains in the fight against the virus and fully restore normalcy in work and life.