'All New Mainland Virus Cases Imported, None Local'

Mainland health authorities reported 54 new cases of the coronavirus on Saturday – with all of them classified as imported cases – shortly after announcing a ban on foreigners entering the country.

In recent weeks China's tally of infections has dwindled dramatically, with only a handful of domestic patients each day.

But just as the country appears to be bringing the outbreak under control, nations around the globe are battling to control soaring numbers of infections in new hotspots.

Of the 54 new cases reported by the National Health Commission, 17 were in Shanghai, and 11 were in Guangdong province.

Beijing has been racing to control the number of infections being brought into the country – mostly Chinese nationals returning home from overseas, including large numbers of students abroad.

On Thursday Beijing announced dramatic measures to curb arrivals into the country, including reducing the number of international flights, limiting the capacity on board to 75 percent, and imposing a ban on foreigners entering China.

Non-nationals living in China with valid visas and resident permits are blocked from returning to the country, the foreign ministry said.

The ministry said it was a "temporary measure that China is compelled to take in light of the outbreak situation."

Diplomats and the crew of international airlines and vessels will still be permitted to enter.

Flights in and out of China will also be capped at just one route a week to each country, including for international airlines.

The overall tally of confirmed Covid-19 on the mainland reached 81,394 by the end of Friday, the Commission said, including 3,295 deaths. (AFP/ Xinhua)