WUHAN -- People coming to Wuhan from outside the Chinese mainland will, starting from March 17, be quarantined for 14 days at designated places at their own expense, as imported COVID-19 infections rise, local authorities said.

The requirement came following a similar announcement made by Beijing and Shanghai over the weekend.

Wuhan's COVID-19 control headquarters also said patients returning from overseas will have to pay their own treatment fees if they are not covered by the country's basic medical insurance.

However, medical assistance is available for those who are not covered by the scheme but have financial difficulties, according to the headquarters.

China has covered COVID-19 treatment in its basic medical insurance, which reimburses a considerable portion of the medical bill after it surpasses a threshold of personal payment.

The Chinese mainland reported 20 new imported COVID-19 cases Monday, bringing the total number of imported cases to 143, according to the National Health Commission.