Foreigners in China are being barred from supermarkets, hotels and public spaces amid suspicion they will re-import the coronavirus epidemic as China bars foreigners from entering the country.

As cases surge across the world, Beijing has contributed to a wave of restrictions at home by claiming the virus was introduced to the country by the US military.

In effect from Sunday, China has ordered its airlines to fly only one route to any country, on just one flight each week. Foreign airlines must comply with similar curbs on flights to China, although many had already halted services.

About 90 per cent of current international flights into China will be suspended, cutting arrivals to 5,000 passengers a day, from 25,000, the civil aviation regulator said late on Thursday.

From Saturday, China will temporarily suspend entry for foreigners with valid visas and residence permits.