An expert with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention says coronavirus infections are peaking in the cities of Shanghai and Chongqing, Hubei Province and elsewhere.

The expert also said on Thursday that infections had passed their peaks in Beijing, Tianjin and elsewhere. The scientist did not disclose the specific numbers of infections.

The expert said the situation will become more complex now that severe winter conditions have arrived and the Lunar New Year holiday is approaching in late January, when many people travel.

The person said the effects of the outbreak need to be contained as much as possible.

The number of infections has been surging across the country since the government eased its stringent anti-virus requirements on December 7. The number of seriously ill patients has been soaring, straining the healthcare system.

The government recently announced it would drop coronavirus quarantine requirements for arriving travelers, starting on January 8. It also said it would restore outbound travel by Chinese nationals in stages.

Other countries are urging China to share information on the infection situation.