Beijing has raised its emergency response to the novel coronavirus epidemic from the third to second level, said Chen Bei, deputy secretary-general of Beijing municipal government, on Tuesday night at a press conference.

Closed-off management will be resumed in the communities in Beijing, said Chen, adding that for those regions classified as having a high coronavirus risk level, the areas will be completely closed and only personnel can enter.

People who have recently visited Xinfadi market, the largest wholesale market for fruit, vegetable and meat supplies in Beijing, and those who are living in medium- and high-risk areas are prohibited from leaving Beijing, noted Chen.

In addition, according to the municipal education commission, students in primary and middle schools in Beijing shall stop going back to school starting Wednesday.

Under the second-level response level, there is no need to stop production and shutdown businesses, the local official said, but flexible working such as remote work and off-peak work should be encouraged.

Read more: Beijing in 'critical situation' with over 100 cluster virus infections