BEIJING — Chinese health authorities have advised against letting down the guards on COVID-19 prevention and control during the upcoming National Day holiday, which starts on Oct 1.

Health authorities across the country should put in place anti-epidemic measures to guard against both imported and locally transmitted cases in order to prevent a COVID-19 resurgence during the holiday, Mi Feng, spokesperson for the National Health Commission, told a press conference in Beijing on Sept 29.

Calling for intensified efforts in epidemic monitoring and early warning, Mi said, once spotted, new infections should be dealt with in a swift and accurate manner.

Dubbed the "Golden Week" for tourism and consumption boom, the seven-day National Day holiday is expected to see more travels and gatherings.