Henan province reported 64 new locally transmitted confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, along with nine asymptomatic carriers, the provincial Health Commission reported on Thursday.

Of the confirmed cases, five were found in the capital city Zhengzhou, four in Luoyang, 50 in Xuchang, three in Zhoukou and one in Xinyang and Shangqiu separately.

Of the asymptomatic carriers, eight were in Zhengzhou, one was in Xinyang.

As of Wednesday, the recent local coronavirus outbreak has expanded to six cities since the first two asymptomatic carriers in Luoyang were reported on Dec 31.

The first round of nucleic acid tests covering all residents in Zhengzhou was launched on Wednesday morning and those who missed the test will have a yellow health QR code, according to a statement from the city's epidemic prevention and control headquarters.

All residential communities and villages in Yuzhou, a county-level city under the administration of Xuchang, have been strictly managed in lockdown mode, local officials said.

Bus and rail services have been suspended to stop people from gathering and spreading the coronavirus.

Starting from Sunday, all schools in Yuzhou have been suspended.

Public venues such as educational institutions, entertainment facilities and private clinics have also halted services.

Yuzhou also suspended all performances, competitions, forums, exhibitions and other large-scale activities.

All shopping malls have stopped all business activities except for daily necessities supplies.