The armed police in Ningbo, Zhejiang province stand in silence for three minutes starting at 10:00 am on April 4, in tribute to those who have lost their lives in the fight against COVID-19. [Photo/zjnews.zjol.com]

Cities throughout Zhejiang province mourned for those who lost their lives in the fight against COVID-19 on April 4, Tomb-sweeping Day.

Citizens observed a three-minute silence as air raid sirens and automobile, train and ship horns sounded for three minutes starting at 10 am. National flags were lowered to half-staff and all public recreational activities were suspended.

"Medical workers risked their lives to save patients. We will forever remember those who have lost their lives during the fight," said Yang Feigang, a doctor from Lanxi, a county-level city in Jinhua, who has just returned from Wuhan.

"I couldn't help crying when hearing the air raid sirens," said Zhou Qiang, a doctor from Ningbo.

More than 2,000 residents in Yueqing, a county-level city in Wenzhou, paid tribute to a deceased community worker online.

Tomb-sweeping Day, also known as Qingming Festival, is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. During the period leading up to and after the day, people pay tribute to the deceased and worship their ancestors by visiting tombs and making offerings.