Local community staff at Nanluoguxiang, a tourist street in Dongcheng district, Beijing, work at a registration point for people who return from other parts of the country, on Feb 9, 2020. [Photo by Zou Hong/China Daily]

Authorities in Beijing imposed a new quarantine rule on Feb 14, requiring all returnees to isolate themselves for 14 days at home or designated sites.

All returnees should report to their neighborhood committee in advance, the city's epidemic-prevention authorities said in a circular, adding that noncompliance could lead to legal consequences.

Large numbers of people have left Beijing ahead of the Lunar New Year, which fell on Jan 25 this year, for family reunions or sightseeing.