Beijing has moved into "emergency response mode" after the city repeatedly recorded new cases of Covid-19 this month.

"There have been many sporadic outbreaks. The control situation is very serious," a Beijing government spokesman said on December 27.

The Chinese capital on December 26 recorded five more cases of Covid-19, while another positive case has not been officially confirmed due to the absence of symptoms.

In total, 13 cases have been detected in Beijing since the first case was reported on December 18, 152 days after the occurrence of new infections.

The city is stepping up its epidemic response to strict enforcement of regulations on medical reporting, wearing masks and temperature checks in public places, while schools have asked parents to prepare for

Villages and residential areas in Thuan Nghia district, Trieu Duong, where Covid-19 was found, have been blocked and imposed strict controls on access.

Residents are advised not to leave the city, unless absolutely necessary, during the upcoming New Year holidays and Spring Festival.

Zhou Weimin, an official at the Beijing Department of Culture and Tourism, said the city does not encourage travel agencies and travel websites to organize group tours.

According to Zhou, all indoor parks, landscapes, entertainment venues and public spots are only operated at 75% capacity.

Ten new cases have also been reported in Shenyang and Dalian in Liaoning Province, northeastern China.