Most of the hospitals in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province now require visitors to scan a whereabouts code before entering, local media reported on Aug 3. A patient must also test negative for COVID-19 three days before getting hospitalized.

The whereabouts code in WeChat. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

Mobile users must scan the whereabouts code before entering a hospital. The code can be accessed through WeChat and Alipay.

Hospital visitors can also obtain proof of their whereabouts by sending "CXMYD" in text to their operators, (10001 for China Telecom, 10086 for China Mobile and 10010 for China Unicom).

Recently, the number of facilities considered at higher risk of exacerbating viral spread has increased to 85 from 65. New additions include piers, ports, tourism boats, theaters and entertainment and sports centers.

Personnel categories deemed at higher risk of contracting the disease were also expanded to include such jobs as cleaners, drivers, auxiliary police, rescue personnel volunteers, community workers, and tour guides.

In a separate guideline released by the commission the same day, it urged the public to wear masks not only indoors, but also outdoors where people tend to gather, such as parks, squares and theaters.

The document also suggested the public prepare more protective masks, including respirators suitable for hospital visits.