The Beijing Municipal Health Commission has recommended people continue to isolate at home for an additional seven days, beyond the required 14-day quarantine, as recent new imported COVID-19 cases from abroad have sounded another alarm.

The newly confirmed cases were related to a Chinese student who arrived from the United States. Though he had completed his 14-day quarantine and tested negative multiple times, he developed symptoms, including a fever and cough, two days after going home to live with his family. After it was confirmed that the student had contracted the virus, his mother, brother and grandfather tested positive for COVID-19. More than 60 close contacts are now under medical quarantine and observation.

Residents who live in the same community say this case has taught people to not take the current situation lightly.

Geng Xiuhui, who lives in the same community as the infected, said: "As I see, the residents and neighbors have cut down on outdoor activities. Public areas are disinfected daily, special personnel are arranged to patrol the area from time to time, and people entering and leaving the community are strictly controlled. No one can enter other than the residents, with the community pass."

The prevention and control work is still severe and complex. Experts suggest people should take protective measures and be precautious.

Dr Ning Yi, Chief Science Officer, Meinian One Healthcare Group, said: "I need to remind the international travelers, you have to be very precautious. When you are back from other countries, you should vigorously follow the government regulations. So that we can well control the risk and keep Beijing safe."