Guangzhou Covid-19: China locks down key transportation hub; markets fear economic fallout

China on Sunday reported 26,824 new cases across the country, bringing total number of infection to over 80,000 since October 22. Guangzhou, one of China’s largest cities with nearly 19 million residents, imposed a five-day lockdown in Baiyun district, which is home to one of the country’s busiest airports. Schools will be shut, public transportation services will be suspended, and residents are advised to stay home. China had eased Covid restrictions, but experts are worried that Beijing’s resolve to reopen the country may weaken now as cases rise again. Asian markets and oil prices slid as much as 3.4% in the morning as investors fretted about the prospect of China re-tightening Covid rules. . . .