BEIJING - An outbreak of coronavirus from a large wholesale market in Beijing has led to fears of a second waves of sickness in the Chinese capital.

More than 10,000 staff at the Xinfadi wholesale market are now being tested.

The huge market, which supplies 80% of Beijing’s vegetables and meat, has been linked to a new cluster of cases in the city after dozens of people who work there tested positive.

According to officials, traces of the coronavirus have been found on a chopping block used for imported salmon.

Footage on social media appears to show hundreds of military police marching into Xinfadi Market.

Some neighbourhoods have again been sealed off to all but residents. Transport services and schools close to the market have been closed, as have some of Beijing’s most prominent public spaces, including the National Centre for the Performing Arts and the Lama Temple.(FA)