Southwest China's Chongqing reported four more novel coronavirus infections and another 20 cured cases on Feb 16, according to officials with the Chongqing Health Commission.

As of midnight of Feb 16, the city had confirmed 551 cases of the novel coronavirus pneumonia, including five deaths, 207 cured cases and 50 in critical condition. 

A total of 22,026 close contacts of confirmed patients have been traced, with 17,825 free from medical observation.

Experts said that the number of daily new confirmed cases and inpatients with the virus infection in Chongqing has been dropping since Feb 11, indicating that the previous epidemic prevention and control measures have achieved significant results. 

However, with the increase in the number of people returning to work and production, the city is still facing severe challenges in its epidemic prevention and control.

As a result, Chongqing Health Commission has issued a reminder that all enterprises should strictly implement epidemic prevention and control measures before and after resumption of production and business operations. 

Officials said that companies should provide training on epidemic prevention and control measures to all employees before resuming operations. For employees returning from other cities, companies must strictly implement isolation medical observation for at least 14 days before they return to their posts. 

Officials added that temperature detection systems and an illness reporting systems targeting employees should be established. 

The body temperature of commuters should be tested each morning and evening. If abnormalities, such as fevers and coughs are found, companies must report them immediately and handle the incidents in a timely manner. 

In addition, all companies must implement closed management, to ensure the safety of the working environment by promoting taking meals in different periods and at separate seats in canteens, reducing meetings and reducing staff gatherings.