The Jilin Railway Station is closed temporarily on May 13 as the aftermath of COVID-19 cluster infections. [Photo provided by Zhao Wenbin for chinadaily.com.cn]

Northeast China's Jilin province acted swiftly after reporting six new confirmed COVID-19 cases on May 12, according to local health authorities.

They said six domestically transmitted cases discovered in the city of Jilin, in Jilin province, were all close contacts of earlier confirmed cases there. In addition, one new suspected case and one new asymptomatic case were reported in the city.

Officials said this has triggered an increase to a higher emergency response level for COVID-19. Local officials announced on May 13 at a news conference that Jilin city had raised its COVID-19 emergency response level to high and that all communities and villages in the city would be implementing closed-off management, preventing random comings and goings of all people.

Buses and other public transport are now being strictly restricted on the roads, except for freight vehicles. Officials said all government bodies and companies should take comprehensive epidemic prevention and control measures.

According to the local government, the city, which is now under lockdown, has closed all entertainment venues such as scenic spots, cinemas, internet cafes and sports venues and all gathering activities are forbidden.

In addition, non-local personnel can only register to leave the city when holding a negative report for a nucleic acid test conducted within the last 48 hours at their own expense and after a strict self-quarantine.

Also, people with fever can only get treatment at fever clinics at designated medical institutions. Drugstores stop selling antipyretics and clinics are prohibited to receive patients with fever, according to the local government.