A total of 525 local COVID-19 cases have been reported in south China's Hainan Province between August 1 and Saturday (August 6) noon, the local government told a press conference on Saturday afternoon.

In addition, 121 asymptotic cases were also detected during the period as the province prepares to launch mass COVID-19 nucleic acid testing.

Sanya City, a renowned tourist destination and where the majority of the COVID-19 cases have been concentrated, has adopted "static management," suspending the movement of people and city's public transportation, from Saturday morning.

Meanwhile, China's railway authority has stopped selling tickets leaving Sanya pending further notice and more than 80 percent of flights to and from Sanya have been cancelled, according to data provider Variflight.

The new outbreak hits at a time when thousands of visitors are enjoying summer in the seaside resort city of Sanya.

In light of the current situation, the Hainan COVID-19 response team on Saturday said that stranded visitors who are currently not in COVID-19 affected cities or counties and have not been to Sanya since July 23 can leave the province after testing negative for COVID-19 twice within 48 hours of their departure.

Tourists who have not been to Sanya since July 23 and are now in other COVID-19 affected cities and counties, but not in controlled areas, could also leave Hainan after testing negative for COVID-19 three times within 72 hours of their departure.

Apart from Sanya, 10 other cities and counties in Hainan have reported sporadic confirmed and asymptotic COVID-19 cases so far.