Shanghai under lockdown again

Keeping safe: A woman wearing a mask carries a child past workers decorating a display celebrating the upcoming 20th Party Congress to be held in Beijing. Chinese cities were imposing fresh lockdowns after the number of new daily Covid-19 cases tripled during a week-long holiday. — AP

Shanghai: China recorded more than 2,000 Covid-19 cases, its highest level for a month, as officials imposed new lockdowns and restrictions to stop outbreaks from spreading to the capital ahead of the Communist Party Congress.

Although the latest case numbers are small by global standards, Beijing’s strict zero-Covid policy means any outbreaks must be immediately eradicated.