BEIJING — China has been taking measures to ensure the smooth transport of supplies for epidemic control while blocking the novel coronavirus from spreading, a transport official said on Feb 11.

All-out efforts are being made to keep the transportation network and the "green channels" operational while curbing the spread of the virus through traffic control, Xu Yahua, an official with the Ministry of Transport, told a news conference.

To ensure smooth traffic flow across the nation, local authorities are not allowed to close expressways or block key highways, cut off rural roads or obstruct emergency transport vehicles, Xu said.

The ministry has also strengthened traffic diversion and control, as well as set up epidemic checkpoints in collaboration with local health and police departments.

Meanwhile, the transportation of emergency supplies to the hardest-hit Hubei province and other key areas shall be prioritized on highways, according to Xu.

By Feb 10, 166,000 metric tons of supplies for the prevention and control of the epidemic and 688,000 tons of production materials such as thermal coal and fuel oil had been transported into Hubei.

"Passenger transport is also returning to normal levels as people start returning to work," Xu said. Interprovincial and intercity transport in some provinces has gradually resumed operation, along with urban public transport services.

Xu estimated that another 160 million people will make return journeys by Feb 18, when the Spring Festival travel rush ends.