China has reported fewer Covid cases as several cities have curbed movements, while a top official has warned hospitals not to turn away patients after a woman's miscarriage during a lockdown in the city of Xian sparked outrage.

During Xian's lockdown, residents have complained about curtailed access to food and medical care, and the story of a pregnant woman who lost her unborn baby after waiting outside a local hospital for two hours provoked anger on Chinese social media and led to the punishment of city officials.

Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan said she was "pained and deeply ashamed" about people's difficulties in securing hospital services in Xian, Xinhua news agency said. "Medical institutions ... must not simply turn away patients on any excuse during Covid control," Sun was quoted as saying.

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