Residents line up for free nucleic acid testing at the special Information Port in Nanshan District of Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province. Shenzhen reports 66 local infections on March 13, taking up the total number to 432. Photo:IC

Authorities of Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province, on Sunday decided to put all residential communities under closed management, close stores and business, suspend transportation and launch three rounds of city-wide testing, starting from Monday, as the local COVID-19 epidemic situation continues to worsen. 

The city that neighbors Hong Kong reported 66 local infections on Sunday, including six silent carriers. The latest outbreak in Shenzhen has recorded a total of 432 infections since February 15.

According to a statement by the Shenzhen Municipal Government, all public institutions in the city, except anti-epidemic workers, will work from home, or participate in epidemic prevention work and community services. 

All enterprises in the city are also required to work from home and suspend production and business activities, excluding those providing public services such as water, electricity, fuel, gas and food to ensure the basic operations of the city, and those guaranteeing the supply of Hong Kong. 

Business places and stores will be closed as well, except for supermarkets, pharmacies, medical institutions and catering enterprises that only provide express delivery services that ensure the basic needs of citizens, read the statement. 

All buses and subways will be suspended in the city, except for transportation ensuring the operation of the city and Hong Kong supplies sent by freight traffic. 

Residents are not allowed to leave the city except in cases of special needs. A negative nucleic acid result within 24 hours is required upon departure, said the statement.

The measures will be in effect until March 20, and they will be dynamically adjusted based on the epidemic situation, it said.