BEIJING — Chinese authorities urged local governments to reinforce safety as the country resumes work and production amid the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Major production accidents should be avoided in order to create a sound environment for winning the battle against the epidemic and for economic and social development, said a circular released on Feb 14 by the Office of the Work Safety Commission under the State Council and the Ministry of Emergency Management.

The country will classify counties based on local risk levels of epidemic prevention and control and adopt a scientific and targeted approach to facilitate work and production resumption. Well-tailored and more specific plans will be implemented in Hubei province and other places hit hard by the outbreak.

The circular also underscored the safe operation of key units related to epidemic prevention and control as well as people's livelihood, calling for on-site safety guidance for places like hospitals and quarantine areas.

Efforts should also be made to encourage innovative law enforcement and services, carry out inspections in firms and places with hidden risks and address problems in a timely and targeted manner, the circular said.