China has registered a record number of coronavirus cases for the second day in a row. Concern is rising that the country's tough anti-infection controls may further hurt its economy.

The Chinese government reported around 32,000 new cases on Thursday. Infections have been confirmed in all provinces and autonomous regions.

Businesses in Beijing are being asked to shift to remote work as part of stepped up anti-infection measures in the Chinese capital.

The city's normally busy central business district has turned quiet, with few vehicles and people on the streets.

Restaurants have halted dine-in services. A restaurant manager complained that she had no income over the past month, and that she's considering shutting down and finding another job.

China's leadership, led by President Xi Jinping, remains committed to its zero-COVID policy. Strict curbs on people's activities have stalled the country's economy.

The Hong Kong unit of major Japanese financial group, Nomura Holdings, says 48 cities in China were subject to lockdown measures or other restrictions as of Monday. It says the cities together account for roughly 40 percent of China's gross domestic product.