A senior Chinese health official has suggested that coronavirus restrictions have been implemented "excessively" in parts of the country.

The official made the remark at a news conference on Tuesday, following widespread protests against China's strict "zero-COVID" policy.

He suggested that the problems highlighted by the public are not about antivirus measures themselves but rather excessive and inflexible implementation that ignores people's requests. He cited layers of added rules and a one-size-fits-all approach in some areas.

The official noted that the government has begun taking measures, saying task force teams have already been formed across the country to address the issues.

He added that authorities are making proactive and effective responses to resolve problems pointed out by people online and by other means.