Following the new wave of COVID-19 cases reported during the past two days in the border city Ruili of Dehong Dai and Jingpo autonomous prefecture in Yunnan province, the prefecture started large-scale vaccination on Thursday.

Residents in four counties, including capital Mangshi and Yingjiang, can get vaccinated starting Thursday, and residents in Ruili can get jabs after their home quarantine finishes,the prefectural government said.

Li Yue, 25, a teacher who lives in Ruili, is staying at home for quarantine since all schools in the urban areas suspended classes on Wednesday. Students continue their study via online platforms.

"I will go get a vaccine after the quarantine to get protection. After all, we live in a border area, which features a high risk of being infected," Li said.