A surge in COVID-19 cases has spurred lockdowns in the southern Chinese manufacturing hub of Guangzhou, adding to financial pressure that has disrupted global supply chains and sharply slowed growth in the world’s second-largest economy.
China has reported 10,729 new cases, and more than 5 million people have been confined to their homes in Guangzhou and the western megacity Chongqing.
Residents have been ordered to stay home at least through Sunday, with one member of each family allowed out once per day to purchase necessities, local authorities said.
The order came after Guangzhou reported more than 2,500 new cases over the previous 24 hours.
Public transport has been suspended and classes halted across much of the city, while flights to Beijing and other major cities have been cancelled, according to state media.
Lockdowns in Guangzhou and elsewhere were due to end by Sunday, but authorities have repeatedly extended such restrictions with no explanation.