As the outbreak of the Wuhan coronavirus creeps across the Fifth Ring, many long-time Beijingers can’t help but be reminded of the SARS epidemic that swept through rocked Beijing, and much of the rest of the country, in 2003. Fortunately, things haven’t gotten as bad (yet), and the whole world is holding onto the hope that, despite the disease’s arrival coinciding with the Chinese New Year migration, China’s firmer response this time around, a better-educated population, and drastic advances in technology since the turn of the century, will help mitigate the spread of the disease and see it be effectively contained.

Temple fairs canceled

Needless to say, however, people are becoming frightened, and major precautions are being taken. The city's temple fairs, which would usually be heaving with revelers in the coming days, have largely been canceled. Of those that we could get through to, Ditan Park, Longtan, Daguanyuan, and Dongyue Temple have all canceled their fairs, a top-down proscription that we can assume will spread to the remaining venues. Additionally, celebrations at Peking and Tsinghua Universities have been suspended.

What about Beijing's F&B venues?

In a time of uncertainty concerning even the simplest decisions such as whether it is safe to go out or take public transport, it might be helpful to recall the story of a popular Wudaokou bar that can trace its roots to that previous devastating pandemic. Lush got its start when founder Jade Gray transformed his apartment into a sanctuary for those who couldn’t bear to be locked up in their own amidst the chaos. Soon enough, the popularity of the idea outgrew his humble living space, and he partnered up with friends Lucy Hu and Jeremy Johnston to build a proper hangout that still stands today as a symbol of resilience in the face of what seems uncontrollable.

Inspired by Lush’s story, the Beijinger resolved to ask some of today’s hot spots how they plan on putting customers’ minds at ease as they continue with daily life.

At Dongzhimen’s Paddy O'Shea's, for example, masks aren’t just for the subway. Co-owner Paul Rochon has made sure that the whole staff has their mouths covered. While that will hopefully prevent the sharing of germs, it won’t prevent the venue from overall being a fun hangout. “Of course, there’s a good chance we will have a promotion on Corona,” says Rochon.

Uday Phalgun, owner of Side Street in Jiaodaokou is taking similar precautions to make sure that customers can trust the bar’s beloved burgers as the venues approaches its second anniversary. Masks and extra handwashing are required, and hand sanitizer has been stockpiled, and staff has been instructed to stay home if they show even the remotest of symptoms, says Phalgun. Around the corner, Pinó has also prepared to invite customers to visit the washroom before sitting down for a drink and some finger food, says owner Andrea Amadio.

Besides masks, many media reports have advised people to avoid uncooked meats, from which the virus may have originated, but 3 Little Pigs founder Andy Horowitz wants diners to rest assured that his pork is A-okay. After all, it is the gamier meats that you need to look out for. As the Spring Festival holiday comes around, Horowitz has given his staff leave to go home for the holiday, but he will still be around sporadically to prepare a thoroughly cooked sausage for hungry visitors.

While these venues will all be open for over the Spring Festival, Beyond Yakitori is already thinking ahead to after the holiday, though the Japanese chuan'r joint will be closed for now. "We don’t know how the situation will turn out during and after the holidays," says owner Chris Niu. "We might postpone re-opening, depending on the situation."

So, while no one can be certain what will happen, we take solace knowing that everyone from small business owners to big festival operators are doing all they can to keep themselves and others safe. We hope you do the same.

In the meantime, check whether your favorite venue is open for the holidays, right here.

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Image: TripSavvy