Sales of train tickets began in China on Saturday for its public holiday from December 31. It will be the first 3-day holiday since measures were eased to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

China's government lifted bans on traveling across provincial borders on December 7.

Chinese media say websites of major travel agencies have also had a rapid rise in requests from people trying to book train or plane tickets for next month's Lunar New Year. They say this indicates the number of people traveling home will grow significantly.

The central government instructed municipalities to tell people returning from urban areas to meet the elderly less frequently.

The government also asked local authorities to make sure people who show coronavirus symptoms such as fever report to medical facilities.

Chinese media say that to ensure patients can get treatment, the government of Henan Province instructed healthcare workers not to take time off until the end of March.