Beijing braces for rise in Covid cases amid outcry over Shanghai blockade

Official says Covid spreading invisibly' within capital as Shanghai residents complain about barriers at residential buildings

Authorities in Beijing are on high alert for an upsurge in coronavirus cases amid a fresh outcry in Shanghai over buildings blockaded under China's zero Covid policy.

The number of new cases in the capital rose by 22 on Sunday - all locally transmitted - compared with six the day before, according to official reports. Beijing authorities have so far not taken steps to lock down the capital, but they have ordered a number of gyms and after-school activity providers to suspend in-person classes.