Aiming to slow the spread

"These measures will help increase the effectiveness of epidemic control and allow us to achieve zero transmission outside the transmission links."

Wu's opinion was echoed by epidemiologist Zhang Wenhong, the head of the infectious disease department at Huashan Hospital in Shanghai.

"When daily life slows down, the transmission of the virus will slow down as well," Zhang wrote on his Sina Weibo account on Monday.

He also urged the public to stay confident, calm and clear-minded, and not give up in the fight against the virus.

Life has indeed begun to slow down in the city as many people have started working from home to reduce their risk of getting the virus. The district governments of Xuhui, Jing'an, Minhang and Pudong have encouraged companies and industrial parks to perform their businesses online and have their staff members take turns to work from offices.

All kindergartens in the city have suspended operations, while elementary, junior and senior middle school students in Shanghai have switched to online learning since March 12.

Last week, some public parks closed their gates and many cultural facilities in the city, including the Shanghai Museum, the Shanghai Natural History Museum and the Museum of Art Pudong, announced suspension of operations.