People in China have been urged to stay in the cities where they work for the Spring Festival and abide by the regulations of epidemic prevention and control in scenic spots when traveling.

"We will firmly hold the defense line of epidemic prevention and control in the winter and spring," Zeng Yixin, deputy head of the National Health Commission and head of the Vaccine Research Team of the Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism of the State Council, said at a press conference on epidemic prevention and control and vaccination on Saturday.

Zeng said the epidemic situation during the winter and spring was likely to remain grim and complex, especially in the upcoming Spring Festival, so it's necessary to limit gatherings and the flow of people. He advised people to choose off-peak travel and online shopping.

On January 8, Hebei Province registered 14 new local confirmed cases and 16 new local asymptomatic cases. Since January 2, authorities have confirmed 137 local cases and 197 asymptomatic infections.

The recent rebound of the epidemic in some places shows that prevention and control measures should continue to be tight.

"It is vital to prevent imported cases from abroad and the rebound of domestic transmissions," Zeng said.

As the Spring Festival approaches, there will be more overseas returnees, greater movement of people within the country, more gatherings, especially indoor activities, and an increased flow of imported cold-chain food and goods, which will increase the risk of the spread of the epidemic.

According to "the notice on epidemic prevention and control, and orderly opening of tourist attractions," issued by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the National Health Commission on April 14, 2020, only outdoor tourist attractions are open to the public at 30 percent capacity. The notice calls for the limited and orderly opening of tourist attractions to prevent and control the epidemic.

(Cover image via VCG)