The number of Covid cases recorded in China has hit a new daily record as the country deals with a huge spike in infections.
Recorded cases of the virus rose by 31,444 in just 24 hours, the National Health Commission revealed on Thursday - the highest daily figure since the novel coronavirus was first detected in Wuhan in late 2019.
Despite most other countries lifting restrictions since the start of the year, China’s ruling Communist Party (CCP) has kept to a "zero-Covid" strategy that aims to isolate every reported case and impose strict lockdowns in affected areas.
Both businesses and residential properties have been hit with strict restrictions in a number of cities, including the capital of Beijing.
Tough measures have also been implemented in the industrial hub of Guangzhou, where authorities have suspended public transport and even require residents to present a negative test if they want to leave their homes.
School lessons have been cancelled and universities sealed off this week in the Baiyun district of the city, home to 3.7million people.
The measures were expected to last from November 21 until at least Friday.
Deputy district head Chen Yongjun told state media at a news conference: “The epidemic situation is severe and complex and difficult to control”
Earlier this month, the CCP's seven-member Standing Committee said it would “unswervingly adhere” to "zero Covid" as a practice but promised to make it less disruptive.
As many as 20 changes to infection control procedures, including in quarantine, testing and treatment, were said to have been approved - although no specific details were given.
The government also promised to release "stranded people" who have been stuck in quarantine or prevented from leaving cities due to restrictions on travel.
“We will protect people’s lives and health to the greatest extent and minimise the impact of the epidemic on economic and social development,” a statement said.
