China sees largest jump in new infections in months

China has reported its biggest one-day jump in coronavirus cases in two months, a day after closing the biggest wholesale food market in Beijing and locking down nearby residential communities.

The 57 new confirmed infections include 36 in Beijing.

The Xinfadi market on Beijing’s southeastern side was closed Saturday and neighboring residential compounds locked down after more than 50 people in the capital tested positive for the coronavirus. They were the first confirmed cases in 50 days in the city of 20 million people.

China, where the pandemic began in December, had relaxed most of its antivirus controls after the ruling Communist Party declared victory over the disease in March.

Authorities locked down 11 residential communities near the Xinfadi market. Police installed white fencing to seal off a road leading to a cluster of apartment buildings.

— AP