Xiaogan, hit hard by COVID-19 in central China's Hubei Province, asked all residential communities and areas to start close-off management starting Friday afternoon

The city of Xiaogan, hit hard by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in central China's Hubei Province, asked all residential communities and areas to start close-off management starting Friday afternoon as the city implements the strictest and most effective control measures.

A notice issued by the municipal epidemic control headquarters said that starting from 5pm on Friday, all residents will not be allowed to exit and re-enter their communities or residential areas.

Daily necessities for residents will be delivered by the community committees, and purchasing services will be provided for urgently-needed goods.

The notice also said that all fever patients and close contacts of the confirmed infection cases will be placed under quarantine at designated places and should not be kept in isolation at home.

The headquarters said the new measures will be implemented over a 14-day period before it is lifted or continued depending on the development of the situation.

The city had reported 2,697 confirmed cases COVID-19 and 57 deaths as of 11pm on Friday.