More people have tested positive for the new coronavirus in Hebei province

Chinese health authorities say scores more people have tested positive for the new coronavirus in Hebei province, bordering on Beijing's capital.

The outbreak is limited to the Hebei cities of Shijiazhuang, and Xingtai is one of China’s most serious in recent months. It comes amid measures to curb the further spread during next month’s Lunar New Year holiday.

Authorities have called on residents not to travel, ordered schools finished a week early, and conducted tests on a massive scale.

The National Health Commission announced Monday that another 82 people had also tested positive in Hebei and showed symptoms.

Around the country, another 36 people tested positive without presenting symptoms, although it wasn’t immediately clear how many of those were in Hebei.

Two other cases are reported in the northeastern region of Liaoning and one in Beijing, where more than 30 people have been sickened in an outbreak centered on the northeast district of Shunyi.

The district's housing compounds were requiring proof of a recent negative coronavirus test from anyone wishing to enter.

Total’s Research & Development (R&D) teams work on nature-based solutions to ensure cleaner water from crude oil extraction processes.

China’s has now reported 87,536 total cases with 4,634 deaths. Hospitals are treating 673 people for COVID-19, while 506 people were isolated and under observation after testing positive without showing symptoms.

The Hebei outbreak has raised serious concern because of the province’s proximity to the nation’s capital. Larger parts of the province are under lockdown, and interprovincial travel has been cut off, with those entering Beijing to work are required to show proof of employment and a test report of health.

Hebei has cut 265 confirmed cases and at least 181 asymptomatic cases over the last eight days. China isn't including those who test positive but do not show signs in its official case count.