A prominent Chinese respiratory disease expert said there is little chance for the mainland to witness another new wave of massive outbreaks of COVID-19 in the coming months.

Zhong Nanshan, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, said he did not think China would witness a massive recurrence of the pandemic as the country has formed very effective and strict preventive mechanisms and has introduced concrete and effective measures to prevent and control the spread of the coronavirus in local communities and neighborhood committees.

But Zhong said sporadic outbreaks would likely occur in some regions and cities in the months in advance.

Zhong made his remarks when he was interviewed by China Central Television on Wednesday.

Zhong said China need not to ban travel for the masses during the coming New Year and Spring Festival holidays.

But residents still have to pay special attention to prevent themselves from being infected with the coronavirus in the months ahead.

And Chinese people are not encouraged to travel abroad and visit the regions and cities that have been listed as medium- and low-risk areas in the mainland, added Zhong.