The northern province of Quang Ninh suspended entry of all Chinese tourists and self-drive tours from China from January 30 amid the widening threat from a new strain of coronavirus called nCoV.

Quarantine checks undergone at Mong Cai border gate. (Photo: VNA)

Quang Ninh has banned all travel over cross-border trails and closed auxiliary border gates. The province will also impose strict penalties for the illegal transport of animals and unlawful border crossings.

Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Nguyen Xuan Ky said the province has stopped sending workers to China while Chinese workers at local industrial parks and border economic zones must undergo medical checks.

Border localities, particularly Mong Cai city, must keep a close watch on the situation, he said.

Ky also assigned the Health Department to prepare facilities and personnel for any emergency cases.

The department will also work with border localities and the provincial Military Command to complete quarantine areas and construct a field hospital if necessary, he said. Local police and border guards have been instructed to strictly monitor the entry and exit of people over the border with China.

Quang Ninh, home to Ha Long Bay, shares a border with China and has become increasingly popular among Chinese tourists.