BEIJING — The risk of contracting the novel coronavirus through exposure to the environment in crowded public places in Beijing is relatively low, a local official said on March 15.

Pang Xinghuo, deputy director of the municipal center for disease prevention and control, said more than 280 professionals had been dispatched on a citywide monitoring campaign in supermarkets, shopping malls and on buses and subways, and found these places clean and safe.

Pang also reminded the public to maintain good protection and make continuous efforts on epidemic prevention.