(Yicai Global) Jan. 25 -- The government in Nanjing, capital city of east China's Jiangsu Province, has required all people in public places such as hotels, restaurants, cinemas, parks, shopping centers and on public transportation to wear masks to prevent the spread of the new novel coronavirus, according to an announcement today.

Clear signs should be set up at entrances of public places to remind people to wear masks, the announcement said. 

People who do not follow the instructions, which come into force immediately, will be punished, it added.