China's daily new COVID cases set another record for the fourth straight day amid fast-spreading protests against the government's strict Covid measures in many cities.  National Health Commission announced nearly 40,000 new infections to date. China has dogmatically stuck with President Xi's signature zero-COVID policy even as much of the world has moved on with pragmatic ways to handle it.<br />'' <br />'' Our Beijing Correspondent reports, hundreds of young people looking like students and workers gathered in Chaoyang district where all the embassies are located and are continuing with their protest which has already gripped many cities and universities across China. Heavy police presence with reinforcements are reported.<br />'' <br />''According to media reports and videos floating on social media, thousands of demonstrators protested on the streets of Shanghai yesterday, demanding the easing of COVID curbs in Shanghai and chanting anti-government slogans. Crowds of demonstrators in Shanghai shouted and held up blank sheets of paper early on Sunday evening as well as a symbol of protest.