The number of symptomatic Covid infections in Beijing almost doubled on Tuesday to 61, from 33 the previous day.

The Beijing Municipal Health Commission reported that asymptomatic cases in the capital dropped slightly to 13.

To curb the spread of the virus, the commission appealed to businesses to limit the number of workers going to offices and closely monitor their health status.

It called on people to stop eating out, comply with mass testing and maintain social distancing.

Meanwhile, Shanghai continued to report a drop in coronavirus cases.

Authorities said 2,780 residents without symptoms tested positive for the virus, down from 3,625 a day before.

There were 234 symptomatic cases, compared to 322 the previous day.

Six more Covid patients have passed away in the financial hub. Officials said all of them were elderly people with chronic illnesses.