BEIJING, (Reuters) – The Chinese city of Xian has imposed strict curbs on travel outbound and commuting within its city. This lockdown is being implemented by 13 million people in the area as a COVID-19 epidemic continues to grow.

Six consecutive days have passed since Dec. 17 when the daily number of COVID-19 domestically transmitted infections has been increasing in Xian.

The total local case count is now more than 200, which is less than the many other cases reported from China. Xian has not been affected by Omicron-related infections.

Xian, in accordance with Beijing’s stance of no flare-ups can be allowed spread, has made it hard for residents to move.

Anyone who wants to leave the city must test positive for COVID-19 prior to departure.

Long-distance bus services have been suspended in the city. Taxis and vehicles hired through ride-hailing platforms are prohibited for trips beyond town. Police were dispatched to highway exits to discourage those who planned to flee.

Some highway sections in Xian appeared almost empty when livestreaming was done by the local traffic police via social media.

Beginning Thursday, one person per household in Xian can only go shopping for essential items every two days. All other members of the family must stay at home unless they are working.

Variflight has confirmed that all domestic flights between Xian and Beijing previously scheduled for Thursday were cancelled. Online travel booking platforms show that Friday outbound flights to Xian are still possible.

At least two rounds have been conducted in mass testing.

People from other areas, like Sichuan Province and Chongqing, required that people visiting Xian had been quarantined up to 14 days prior to being allowed to fly free.

COVID-19 major China outbreaks 2021

To view the graphic, click here: https://graphics.reuters.com/HEALTH-CORONAVIRUS/CHINA/dwpkrerrdvm/chart.png

According to a National Health Commission statement, Wednesday saw the confirmation of 71 local symptomatic patients in mainland China, with 63 being located in Xian.

The death toll in the country stood at 4,636.

As of December 22, there were 100,644 confirmed Chinese cases. This includes both those from China and the ones that have been reported by international travelers.