All residents of the Chinese cities of Shijiazhuang and Xingtai have been ordered not to leave their homes in the coming week amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Xinhua reported. 

Over the past week, the province has recorded 127 COVID-19 cases.

One of the districts in Shijiazhuang was recognized as an area with high epidemiological risk.

To block the spread of COVID-19, the authorities in Shijiazhuang on January 9 closed public transport - buses, taxis, and subways.

Besides, the authorities have tightened control measures at Shijiazhuang railway stations - passengers are prohibited from entering the station and boarding trains.

Citywide COVID-19 testing was completed in Shijiazhuang on Friday, January 8, and is scheduled to be completed on January 9.

On Saturday, January 9, the Chinese health ministry announced that the COVID-19 vaccination will be free for all Chinese residents.