Authorities in Beijing are on heightened alert for coronavirus cases, while lockdowns continue in Shanghai.

Beijing officials have imposed tight restrictions to contain the virus. The Chinese capital reported 50 new cases on Wednesday, when the five-day May Day holiday ended.

Businesses resumed operations on Thursday. But in the Chaoyang district in central Beijing, people are now required to work from home as a general rule.

Authorities are also demanding that people who do have to report to their workplaces show negative PCR test results. Temporary testing venues have been inundated with visitors.

Throughout the city, more than 60 subway stations remain closed, mainly in areas where infections have been confirmed.

Bus services have been suspended or their courses changed along about 160 regular routes.

Classes at elementary, junior high and senior high schools are being given online.

The ban on indoor dining remains in place for all restaurants in the city.

Shanghai confirmed more than 4,000 new infections on Wednesday. It also reported 13 deaths, taking the city's total COVID death toll since April past 500.