Visitors to Lhasa, capital of Southwest China's Tibet autonomous region, must hold valid health certificates issued by the regions they're coming from before entering the city, according to a statement released Monday by the leading office dealing with the novel coronavirus outbreak.

According to the statement, those barred from entry include anyone who has lived in Hubei province recently or shared the same community or village with patients infected with the novel coronavirus pneumonia in the past 14 days, confirmed cases, suspected patients, anyone with a fever and anyone who has had close contact with confirmed cases.

Those who want to enter the city have to hold valid health certificates provided by the townships, villages, streets or communities in which they have household registration.

According to the statement, the decision was made out of concern for people's safety in the overall battle against the outbreak, as strict management of people's mobility is crucial for reducing the risk of cross-infection.