Multiple Venues Asked To Halt In-House Dining Across Beijing

Restaurants across Chaoyang District and other places around Beijing have reportedly been asked to close or stop in-house business until further notice as of last night, according to our contacts at various restaurants and in a number of city WeChat groups.

The news came suddenly in the evening, with restaurants in Sanlitun announcing they’d been asked to halt in-house dining to comply with epidemic prevention measures for “at least three days.”

This was followed by a domino effect of restaurants across Chaoyang District announcing closures, but during last night's information bureau press conference, there was no news of any district or citywide closure requirements. However, a number of ports facilities, hair salons and other nonessential venues — mostly in Chaoyang District — have also reported that they have  been asked to suspend in-person business for the next three days.

Most restaurants that are shut for in-house dining are allowed to remain partially open for takeout and delivery, but as things seem to be changing by the hour it is best to check with any restaurant you plan on visiting first.

During the press conference, though, it was also announced that residents of Chaoyang District are requested to remain in the district and not travel outside of Chaoyang unless absolutely necessary. If they do leave Chaoyang, they’ll be expected to carry a NAT result with a validity of 48 hours or less – although it was not explained how this will be enforced.

The rumor mill has been in full swing since last night, with word that there will be citywide restaurant closures or that all non-essential businesses must close, but there has as of yet been no official announcement to this effect.

If you have plans to go out this weekend, be it in Chaoyang or other districts, it's best to call ahead to check with the venue before going.