New COVID-19 cases reported in Zhejiang

Yiwu, a small production hub in Jinhua, Zhejiang province, reported four locally transmitted confirmed cases of COVID-19 and two asymptomatic infections as of 10 am on Wednesday, health authorities said.

As of 9 am on Wednesday, 772 close contacts and 368 secondary close contacts had been traced and put under quarantine to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

The city, home to 1.9 million people, has tightened its epidemic-control measures. On Wednesday, schools, kindergartens and off-campus training institutions suspended teaching activities. Gatherings, including meetings, forums, training sessions, performances, exams and exhibitions have all been suspended, along with dine-in services at restaurants in Yiwu.

A 48-hour negative nucleic acid test certificate is required for people using public transportation.

The supermarkets in the city have sufficient inventory to meet the demand, and the city provides smooth purchase channels, said Yang Zhonghong, director of Yiwu municipal bureau of commerce on Wednesday.

The existing stock of rice and noodles in the grain market is more than 16,000 metric tons, ensuring a stable supply of daily necessities for 19 days, he said.

In another development, Zhuji in Shaoxing, Zhejiang, reported one confirmed case on Wednesday. The person had previously traveled to Yiwu.