Hong Kong shares opened sharply lower on Monday after daily Covid cases on the mainland hit a record high of almost 40,000 on Saturday, and as unrest over coronavirus restrictions was reported in a number of cities.

The Hang Seng Index sank 3.26 percent to 17,000.

The Shanghai Composite Index dropped 1.50 percent to 3,055, while the Shenzhen Composite Index on the mainland's second exchange lost 1.54 percent to 1,954. (AFP/RTHK)