Municipal authorities in Beijing say they have eased anti-coronavirus restrictions, allowing indoor dining at restaurants to resume on Monday for the first time in about a month.

The ban on dine-in services came after the daily number of newly confirmed infections started to climb in the Chinese capital in late April. About 50 new cases per day were reported for many days in May.

City officials lifted the ban, except for some areas, as new infection tallies have been on a downswing over recent days.

They are also allowing employees in most areas of Beijing to work at offices, instead of from home. Tourist facilities, parks, movie theaters and other spots are reopening with limits on visitor numbers.
Officials are requiring residents to show negative results of PCR tests taken within 72 hours to enter offices, commercial buildings and other public spaces. People previously needed to undergo PCR tests 48 hours prior to entry.

Officials also plan to end online lessons at elementary, junior high and other schools, and return to in-person classes in stages from next week.

Officials hope that easing the stringent restrictions will rejuvenate Beijing's economy, which has been battered by sluggish consumption.