(Yicai Global) Jan. 27 -- Shanghai's government has directed that all those in public areas wear masks to stem the spread of the new coronavirus, it announced today.

Body temperature detection equipment shall also be set up in public spaces to identify those afflicted by the sickness, per the announcement, The Paper reported.

Residents are urged to willingly cooperate in preventing and controlling the epidemic and to shun crowded public places, according to the report.

People arriving in the eastern megacity from virus-ridden Hubei province after Jan. 12 are to take the initiative to report to the community or hotel where they stay or their employer and remain at their lodging or in a place designated for observation within 14 days from the date of their arrival.

If symptoms such as high temperature and cough occur, they should wear masks and immediately go to the nearest fever clinic for diagnosis and treatment, per the announcement.

Editor: Ben Armour