Beijing Marathon cancelled as city experiences Covid spike

Beijing Marathon, scheduled for 31 October, has been cancelled due to a recent bout of coronavirus cases in the city.

Domestic tour groups have been identified as the source of 133 infections of the delta variant spread across 11 provinces.

Although 75% of the population has now been vaccinated Government policy is still to vigorously suppress any outbreaks that occur – this last being the most significant since August.

Cases occurring in Beijing are particularly worrying for the authorities with the 2022 Winter Olympic Games due to be hosted in the city from 4–20 February.