Authorities in Huanggang City in central China's Hubei Province announced a new regulation on Saturday that only one person per household could go out for grocery shopping every two days while other members must stay at home.

Those who are in need of medical treatment, work in relevant departments involving epidemic prevention and control, as well as staff at supermarkets and pharmacies will be exempt.

The new regulation took effect immediately on Saturday.

Authorities said the decision was made to "minimize personnel mobility and control the spread of the epidemic" to the largest extent.

Huanggang, which borders Wuhan, is the second hardest hit area by novel coronavirus in the province, following Wuhan. It reported 726 cases and 14 deaths as of Friday.

Huanggang is already under a lockdown, with services for city buses, long-distance buses and outbound trains all suspended and all indoor entertainment venues shut down since January 23.