Beijing preps COVID-19 hospital spaces, though new cases low

BEIJING (AP) — Beijing is preparing new hospital facilities to deal with a possible spike in COVID-19 cases, even though the numbers of new cases remain low. State media say a 1,000-bed hospital built for the 2003 SARS outbreak has been refurbished in case it’s needed. The number of new cases in the Chinese capital remains steady, however, with another 62 reported on Tuesday. China has stuck to its strict “zero-COVID” approach that restricts travel, tests entire cities and sets up sprawling facilities to try to isolate every infected person. Lockdowns start with buildings and neighborhoods but become citywide if the virus spreads widely.