Two confirmed and three asymptomatic COVID-19 cases were detected in Yingkou City, northeast China's Liaoning Province, on Friday as of 7:00 p.m., local officials told a press conference.

These five people had come in close contact with two newly diagnosed COVID-19 patients from east China's Anhui Province. The two patients had stayed in Yingkou City's Bayuquan District in the past two weeks, officials revealed.

Following the detection, nine communities in Yingkou heightened their risk level for COVID-19 from low to medium and citywide virus testings are rolled out.

Traffic restrictions have been imposed in parts of Bayuquan District and residents have been advised against traveling. Those traveling for emergency reasons must show a negative nucleic acid test result taken within 72 hours before departure.