BEIJING — China's express delivery sector processed 660 million parcels during the week-long Spring Festival holiday starting Feb 11, surging 260 percent over the same period last year, said the State Post Bureau.

More than 1 million couriers were on duty to ensure the efficiency of services, according to the bureau.

The courier sector saw demand jump among people who stayed put during the holiday to reduce the risk of COVID-19 cross-infection.

E-commerce parcels significantly increased in popularity during the period, and demand for express delivery services in major cities boomed as many chose to send gift parcels or make purchases online for their families and friends across the country.

Most of the parcels contained food and gifts, and the popularity of courier services also reflects the vitality of online consumption, said Wang Feng with the bureau.