China's economic hub Shanghai is seeing a rise in new cases of the coronavirus, raising fears of a prolonged lockdown.

Infections have been surging across China. Authorities confirmed 8,655 new cases on Tuesday, 5,982 of them in Shanghai.

The eastern half of Shanghai is in lockdown since Monday through Friday. The measure is scheduled to be applied to the western half from Friday through next Tuesday.

A Japanese man who lives in the eastern part of the city said he has been isolated at home since mid-March because his condominium was closed off after a resident was found to have had close contact with an infected person.

He said residents can group-purchase food, but they are worried the lockdown would continue longer because infections are increasing.

Municipal authorities have announced support measures for small and mid-sized businesses, such as tax cuts and refunds, and rent exemption for companies on state-owned property.

Concerns are growing in Shanghai as the Chinese government's zero-COVID policy to contain the virus discourages spending and dampens economic activity.