A flare-up of Covid-19 cases in China is expected to cause a 20% decline in vehicle traffic and a 55% drop in flights over the three-day Qingming holiday, according to China's transport ministry.

More than 27 Chinese provinces and regions have lately reported coronavirus cases, most of which is the highly contagious Omicron type, causing authorities to impose harsh movement restrictions or even city-wide lockdowns.

During the tomb-sweeping festival, Chinese people often return to their hometowns to worship their ancestors.

According to a statement from the transport ministry, the average daily number of vehicles on the roads is expected to hit 39 million to 40 million during the holiday, which begins on April 3, down 21% from the same period last year.

According to the ministry, the number of booked flights is expected to drop by 55% this Christmas season compared to the previous year, with air travelers at only 20% of last year's levels.
On April 2, China recorded a total of 13,287 new daily cases, the highest number since February 2020.

China's "dynamic clearance" Covid program has reduced the country's transportation fuel use.

Starting March 28, a two-stage lockdown in Shanghai's financial hub might slash gasoline use by 200,000 barrels per day.

During the Qingming holiday, authorities around China implemented anti-Covid efforts at entertainment venues, including limiting the number of tourists and demanding negative DNA testing results from inter-provincial travelers.