Wuhan has asked patients with a fever to not see doctors outside of the district where they live, and instead to see a doctor in nearby designated hospitals, according to a notice issued on early Tuesday.

The notice said that all the fever patients who are confirmed with pneumonia should strictly follow the rules and stay for medical observation, in order to curb the spread of novel coronavirus pneumonia.

In another notice issued on the same day, the city said that all the residential communities in Wuhan would be closed off since Tuesday as the control of the virus has entered a critical period. Entering and leaving the community would be restricted. Those that have confirmed or suspected cases would be put under quarantine.

A breach of the rules would lead to a warning or mandatory measures by police if necessary.