The Beijing Municipal Government announced on Friday that companies in the city could adopt flexible approaches before February 10 and require employees to work remotely via the internet or telephone.

The decision was made to "effectively reduce the gathering of people, block the spread of the epidemic and better protect the lives and health of the people" in wake of China's novel coronavirus outbreak.

But essential industries that guarantee people's livelihoods and those involved in the work of preventing and controlling the virus, as well as key construction work will be excluded, the municipal government said.

China's Lunar New Year break in 2020 is due to finish on February 2.