BEIJING — The Chinese government has been treating Chinese and foreign nationals on an equal and legitimate basis when taking novel coronavirus epidemic prevention measures, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on March 2.

Local authorities have taken quarantine and preventive measures for people from severely affected countries and regions upon their arrivals, such as measuring body temperature and conducting medical observation. Zhao said these measures, in line with Chinese laws, are necessary for epidemic containment and can efficiently prevent the cross-border spread of the virus.

The authorities implemented the measures without distinction, fully considered the concerns of relevant personnel and provided them with necessary protection and assistance, Zhao said, adding that these effective measures to block human-to-human transmission and slow down the spread of the epidemic were recognized by the World Health Organization.

Local authorities will also timely adjust measures for foreigners after they enter China in accordance with changing situations of the epidemic, Zhao said.

He hoped people from severely affected countries and regions can fully understand and be cooperative with the measures when coming to China, in order to safeguard their own and other people's health and safety.