China has lifted a lockdown in the central Chinese metropolis of Xi’an, municipal officials said on Monday.
The status of the old imperial city, which had recorded some 2,000 new COVID-19 infections since December, was downgraded to “low risk.’’
Curfews have been lifted while public transport and taxis can resume regular operations in Xi’an, home to 13 million people.
Residents were allowed to travel normally again, but they have to prove their vaccination status.
Flights and train services to the provincial capital of Shaanxi have resumed.
Shops and shopping centres were also allowed to open normally again, the city administration said.
Restaurants can also serve guests again but must limit the number of diners and comply with distancing rules.
Family or private gatherings should be limited to no more than 10 people.
The lockdown was lifted two weeks ahead of the Chinese New Year, which routinely sees hundreds of thousands of people travel each year to visit their hometowns.
According to their traditional lunar calendar, the biggest family festival in China does not begin until February. (dpa/NAN)
