HOHHOT -- North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region reported three locally transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases from 10 am Tuesday to 7 am Wednesday, local health authorities said.

The three cases were reported in the border city of Ereenhot in Xiliin Gol League, the regional health commission said in a statement.

Two cases were detected after authorities screened people living in two residential communities and the third one was a secondary close contact of an earlier confirmed case in the city, according to the health commission.

The three have been admitted to a designated hospital for treatment. Epidemiological investigation and further screening for potential infections are underway.

As of 7 am Wednesday, Inner Mongolia had 12 locally transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases under medical treatment and their close contacts have all been put under quarantine for medical observation at designated sites, the commission said.