At a press conference on Beijing's prevention and control efforts on the afternoon of 17 March, Chen Bei, Deputy Secretary-General of the Beijing Municipal Government, pointed out that as the number of imported cases keeps growing, quarantine at designated places is the best possible way to reduce the movement of people, and to contain and stop transmission. It is therefore most effective in protecting the lives and health of those arriving in Beijing from overseas and their families.

Chen noted that quarantine at designated places enables early detection and proper treatment. It is the best means to ensure the safety of the family members of those quarantined, and to forestall family clusters. For inbound travelers to Beijing, this is the most proactive, effective and the safest way of quarantine and isolation.

The designated sites are mostly hotels with good ventilation, where each of those in quarantine has a separated room in areas isolated from others. Medical teams and supporting staff are available on site. Meals are delivered separately, and all the services and operations are kept within the closed setting. Wifi is available at each hotel.