The eastern Chinese city of Yantai in Shandong Province will conduct free nucleic acid tests for all incoming passengers, according to a statement issued by local authorities on Wednesday.

The city has strengthened the prevention and control of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on Tuesday as it saw an increasing number of people entering from neighboring countries, local authorities said.

On Monday, officials in Shandong's coastal city of Qingdao said people arriving there with suspected symptoms of COVID-19 will be isolated in designated hospitals, while others will be required to stay at their residences or designated hotels for 14 days.

In another Shandong city, Weihai, officials said Tuesday it would quarantine arrivals from Japan and South Korea.

Commenting on China's restrictions on people arriving from Japan and South Korea, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Wednesday that the main purpose of these measures is to maintain the health and safety of domestic and foreign citizens and, safeguard regional and global public safety.

An epidemic respects no boundaries, said Zhao, adding that everyone should understand these measures are scientific, professional and modest.

China stands ready to strengthen cooperation with Japan and South Korea in fighting COVID-19 and is willing to provide support and aid to the two countries within its capacity, noted Zhao.

Apart from the eastern cities, Shenyang – a city in northeast China's Liaoning Province – also stepped up efforts on the coronavirus testing and quarantine for incoming personnel.

The incoming passengers showing no abnormal symptoms will be concentrated for the nucleic acid tests for COVID-19, followed by a fortnight quarantine, said local authorities on Wednesday.

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