The production of medical materials in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, will be increased significantly before January to be prepared for a possible spike in COVID-19 cases, an industry official said.

"Companies have been expanding their production lines and training workers to meet possible needs," said Chen Jianhua, chief economist of the Guangzhou Industry and Information Bureau.

The daily output of antigen detection reagents and medical protective masks in the city will increase by more than 30 percent before January, he said.

"We will provide financial support for local companies for the transformation and expansion of new production lines to help them achieve more capacity as quickly as possible," he said at a news conference on Monday.

As of Sunday, the daily production capacity of masks in Guangzhou reached about 40 million pieces, of which over 5.2 million are N95 and KN95 masks, Chen said.

Also, there are more than 10 million units of antigen detection reagents being produced daily in the city, with antivirus oral liquid exceeding 3 million bottles.

"Local pharmaceutical companies, including 21 manufacturers under Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Group, are running at full capacity," he said.