Municipal authorities in the Chinese capital Beijing have allowed travel agencies to resume domestic group tours. The move comes despite surging infections after the government eased its "zero-COVID" policy.

Officials said on Tuesday agencies can restart tours in and out of Beijing on condition that anti-infection measures are in place.

Tourists need to wear masks at all times and have their temperatures checked. Guides must be vaccinated.

The government is believed to be hoping to raise demand for travel to stimulate the economy, but citizens are still worried about getting infected.

State-run Xinhua news agency reported that Vice Premier Sun Chunlan inspected a hospital and other locations in Beijing on Tuesday.

Sun, who is in charge of the government's coronavirus responses, argued that although the case count is rising, the vast majority involve no or mild symptoms.

She said, "With the advantage of the system to mobilize resources nationwide, we can definitely tide over this COVID-19 peak."