China's restaurants have taken a major hit because of the coronavirus outbreak. (Photo: AFP/Greg Baker)

BEIJING: It is lunch time in Beijing, but the only diner in Cindy's Cafe is an employee having a staff meal - it has been closed for more than three weeks as China battles a deadly virus epidemic.

Restaurants are taking a huge hit as many people across the country of 1.4 billion have been either under some form of quarantine or are reluctant to venture outside since late January over fears of contagion.