The new coronavirus outbreak in Beijing which we reported about earlier has been described as "extremely severe" by a Chinese official.

"Beijing will take the most resolute, decisive and strict measures to contain the outbreak," a spokesman for the Chinese capital's government said at a press conference.

Residents living in the district around the massive Xinfadi wholesale market, which has been linked to the new outbreak, have been told they can’t leave Beijing.

All taxis are also now banned from driving beyond the city limits.

In addition, tens of thousands of people who’ve been inside the market where the new infections appeared – as well as several other smaller markets – have been told to report to the authorities and then remain at home in quarantine.

Beijing is conducting mass testing for anyone who has had contact with these food distribution centres.

Even though the overall number of infections so far remains relatively low, officials are trying to control the virus outbreak so as to avoid having to shut down this city of 20 million people.