BEIJING — China's publishing circles have been urged to contribute to winning the battle against the novel coronavirus outbreak by improving their services.

According to a circular issued by the National Press and Publication Administration, publishers are called on to plan and publish a number of popular books on epidemic prevention and control, psychological help and protection against contagious diseases.

The administration called for more efforts to publish online and increase the supply and dissemination of quality publications by taking advantage of the internet.

It encouraged publishing agencies to open free of charge through online platforms a range of digital content on literature, history, social sciences, and popular science, as well as digital textbooks and online courses tailored for students before schools reopen.