Prevention, control measures must be in accordance with law: NPC official

BEIJING -- The prevention and control measures of the epidemic shall be carried out in accordance with the law and in an orderly manner, an official from China's top legislature said on Feb 10.

The law-based execution of the measures is an important guarantee to win the battle against the novel coronavirus outbreak, said Yuan Jie with the Legislative Affairs Commission of the National People's Congress Standing Committee in a statement.

According to the current laws and regulations, governments and departments at all levels can take necessary actions to prevent and control the spreading of the epidemic, including isolating confirmed or suspected patients, suspending mass gatherings and carrying out health checks on public transportation, said Yuan.

But the measures can only be implemented by the governments and relevant departments in accordance with the law, Yuan stressed.

"No other units or individuals may, without approval, set up checkpoints, cut off roads, block traffic or conduct other acts that infringe people's lawful rights and interests," Yuan said.

The measures adopted should also be in line with the nature, extent and scope of the social harm the epidemic might cause, said Yuan.

The measures taken should be conducive to the maximum protection of the rights and interests of the citizens, legal persons and other organizations, Yuan added.