BEIJING: Xian, a Chinese industrial city Thrursday reported a fresh 155 local COVID-19 or Coronavirus cases, taking the total number of cases to the highest level in any of the Chinese cities this year amid an ongoing lockdown.

Xian has a population of 13 million people.

Since December 23, the Chinese official imposed curbs including shutdown although it had reported a low case count compared with clusters in other cities worldwide.

"Xian has reached a live-or-die stage in its fight against the virus," Zhang Fenghu, a city government official, in a press conference said.

Many countries are entering into lockdowns following the rise of case of a new Coronavirus variant Omicron.

The Chinese city is also known as a major tourism destination, drawing visitors to its collection of terracotta warriors who are buried with China's first emperor for more than 2,000 years ago.

Residents have been barred from leaving their accomodations or compounds unless going out to take COVID-19 tests or venturing out for essentials as approved by local authorities.

The Xian's law enforcement agency has been keeping a vigil on residential compounds to ensure movement curbs are properly implemented, an official said.

The curbs have caused a staffing crunch at companies involved in ensuring the delivery of supplies and the government was working on resolving the issue, Reuters quoting a Xian government official Wednesday said.