China defended its measures to curb the virus outbreak and expressed displeasure with the U.S. over what it calls a “groundless accusation” of Chinese pandemic policies, even as cases in Shanghai continued to spread despite an extensive lockdown.

Shanghai reported a record 24,943 new Covid cases on Saturday, according to the municipal government. That’s more than five times the number seen on March 28, when 4,477 infections were reported as the city first imposed a lockdown. Total new infections in China on Saturday were at 26,355.

The U.S. State Department asked Americans to reconsider travel to China and avoid visiting virus hotspots including Shanghai due to what it calls an “arbitrary enforcement” of virus restrictions. It also allowed non-emergency employees and their family members from the U.S. consulate in Shanghai to leave, and notified Chinese officials of the voluntary departure decision while raising concerns regarding China’s Covid response.