New travel measures adopted in Xi'an to control virus

All passengers must wear masks and show their ID cardsto take taxis and subways in Xi'an starting on Jan 29, according to a notice issued by the city's transport bureau, in an effort to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus in the capital city of Northwest China's Shaanxi province.

According to the notice, passengers must cooperate with drivers and workers at subway stationsto register their information, including name, ID number and mobile number.

Both passengers and drivers must wear masks, and passengers are advised to take the backseat.The drivers are required to disinfect the taxi at least twice a day.

These measures are taken in accordance with requirements of Shaanxi province, which activated a Level-I public health alert and deployed the city's headquarters on prevention and control of the novel coronavirus.

The notice also called for the suspension of citywide online ride-hailing services from 15:00 on Jan 28. The time when the service would resume will be decided at a later date.

The city's subway system also adjusted operation times, and closed some entrances and exits.

By 10 am on Jan 31, Shaanxi province has reported a total of 87 confirmed infections and 132 suspected cases.

The number of confirmed infections increased by 10 in Xi'an on Thursday, raising the city's tally to 32 according to the local health commission.