To better cater to the needs of reporters covering side events during the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, the capital is building a media center for non-accredited overseas and domestic reporters, the city government said.

The media center will be capable of serving about 2,000 reporters without Games accreditation who wish to cover news and other events around Beijing during the Winter Olympics, which will be held from Feb 4 to 20, the city government said in a news release.

It added that the decision to set up the media center was made after a detailed risk assessment of the COVID-19 epidemic situation. Only overseas reporters based in Beijing will be able to register at the media center, and the number of domestic reporters using the facility will also be limited.

The media center will provide news production and communication services in line with international standards. It will also host news conferences and organize city tours. Reporters will be able to access a range of information about China so they can present the country more objectively and comprehensively.

Reporters need to register with the media center before using its services. They must also follow strict COVID-19 epidemic control protocols that may be adjusted as the situation changes.