In China, measures to curb coronavirus infection have been eased further in Beijing and Shanghai, even as the number of positive cases remains high.

Anti-coronavirus measures are under review across China following nationwide protests in late November against the government's harsh "zero-COVID" policy.

From Tuesday, people in the capital Beijing and commercial hub Shanghai no longer need to show negative PCR test results when they enter public places, such as shopping facilities and office buildings.

But they still need to show proof of negativity at schools, medical institutions and eateries. People who visit commercial facilities must leave a record by scanning QR codes at the site with their smartphones.

China has mandated regular PCR testing to detect infections, and imposed tough restrictions on movement in an effort to contain the spread of the virus.

But infections are spreading, with about 27,000 new cases confirmed nationwide on Monday.

The question is whether the Chinese government will ease its anti-coronavirus measures further at the risk of a new surge in infections.