The city at the center of China’s virus outbreak has reopened subways and long-distance train service in another step toward ending restrictions that confined millions of people to their homes since COVID-19 began.

Subway passengers in Wuhan in the central province of Hubei are still required to wear masks and be checked for fever after service, the official Xinhua News Agency said.

Passengers are also required to sit with empty seats between them.

Most access to Wuhan, a city of 11 million people, was suspended on 23 January. Restrictions have gradually been relaxed. The last controls that blocked residents of Wuhan from leaving Hubei are due to be lifted 8 April.