Authorities in Beijing are increasing their COVID-19 preventive and screening measures, requiring all people arriving from overseas to undergo nucleic acid testing and concentrated medical observations starting March 25, Beijing Daily reported on Tuesday.

Previously, only four types of arrivals were subjected to the test: those with COVID-19 symptoms, those with an epidemiological history, those showing signs of infection, and those with necessity to test.

According to the report, those who enter the city and have traveled from overseas to China in the past 14 days will also be subject to centralized quarantine and testing for COVID-19.

The move came as the Chinese mainland recorded 78 new COVID-19 cases and seven more deaths on Monday. Of the new confirmed cases, 74 were imported infections, up from 39 a day earlier. 

Beijing reported 31 newly confirmed imported cases on Monday as the total number nationwide stands at 427.

Read more:

COVID-19: 78 new cases, seven more deaths on Chinese mainland

What's life like under quarantine in Beijing for overseas returnees?