(Yicai Global) June 24 -- Chinese takeout platforms have strengthened their anti-epidemic measures after a Beijing-based Ele.me driver was diagnosed with Covid-19.

Other drivers who have been in close contact with the patient are now in quarantine, Alibaba's food delivery platform Ele.me said in a statement on Weibo yesterday.

Beijing has been grappling with a new virus outbreak, which likely started from a popular wholesale food market early this month, after its first wave of infections tapered off with no domestically transmitted cases for nearly two months.

Didi Chuxing said yesterday that it will test all its Beijing drivers.

Before that, e-commerce giant JD.Com said that it will provide all couriers, true drivers, and fresh food storage staff with free testing in the capital city. More than 2,000 employees had already been tested as of June 20.

Another takeout platform Meituan Dianping said on June 19 that drivers who have been working in Beijing's high-risk areas need to be placed under home quarantine for 14 days. Next week, users should be able to check their chef's and driver's nucleic acid test results via the application. Before this, they could already see their last body temperature readings and find out when the delivery box was cleaned the last time.

China should improve the traceability of takeout food, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference said at a meeting on June 19.

Editor: Emmi Laine