New Year's tourism curbed to prevent potential COVID infection

Chinese culture and tourism authorities have tightened up protective measures to prevent the COVID-19 epidemic from bouncing back as the New Year's Day holiday approaches.

As there have been sporadic cases confirmed over the past few days, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism will continue to suspend travel agencies' services for inbound and outbound trips over the holiday, according to a release from the ministry on Monday.

Tourist attractions during the upcoming three-day break can receive no more than 75 percent of their maximum capacity.

Indoor entertainment places including cinemas, theaters and cybercafes should also receive no more than 75 percent of their maximum capacity, the ministry said.

The ministry also encourages travelers to make reservations for domestic A-rated attractions to better control traffic flow. Rated hotels and tourism accommodations are required to carry out regular disinfection during the holiday.

In Beijing - where sporadic cases were found starting Wednesday - travel agencies have been encouraged to suspend tours to the city over the holiday. Travelers from areas with high or medium risks of infection in the previous 14 days are discouraged from traveling to the capital.