China reports first Covid deaths in six months amid strict zero-cases policy
International Desk
China has reported its first Covid deaths in six months, with officials warning the capital is facing its most severe situation since the pandemic's start, reports BBC.
Three fatalities have been reported in Beijing since Saturday, bringing the country's official death toll to 5,229.
The deaths comes as China's "zero-Covid policy" sparks rare protests.
The controversial strategy has seen seen millions locked down and positive citizens forcibly quarantined.
In Beijing, officials have already implemented a lockdown in the Haidian part of the capital, with shops, schools and restaurants closed, and three million people urged to stay at home.
Those travelling to the capital will also have to do tests for the first three days of their visit, and stay inside until they are given the all-clear.
Beijing - a city of more than 21 million - reported 316 new Covid cases to 15:00 on Monday, according to Reuters news agency. Amongst the three deaths reported since Sunday afternoon was an 87-year-old man.
Liu Xiaofeng - the deputy director of Beijing's municipal Centre for Disease Control and Prevention - described the situation as the most complex and severe yet seen in the city, the news agency added.
A day earlier, a municipality spokesman warned Beijing was facing "a grim and complicated epidemic prevention and control situation", according to China Daily.
