On the afternoon of March 18th, at the press conference held by the Guangdong Provincial Government Information Office, Ji Leqin, the second inspector of the Provincial Health Commission, introduced the guidelines for prevention and control during the Qingming Festival in GuangdongProvince.

Qingming Festival, which begins on April 4, is usually peak time for millions of overseas Chinese to consider returning to Guangdong, said Ji Leqin, an official with the provincial health commission.

"At a time of rising numbers of confirmed imported COVID-19 cases, people are being gently urged not to return home," Ji said.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Guangdong had confirmed 20 imported cases of coronavirus infection, the health commission said.

Ji said that people returning from countries hit hard by the coronavirus will be required to undergo medical observation for 14 days.

"Paying respect to ancestors in online platforms is encouraged," Ji said.

According to Fang Qiaping, deputy director of the Guangdong Provincial Civil Affairs Department, the province will not organize any group activities to honor ancestors during this years festival.

"We will launch online ritual activities instead," Fang said.

Public cemeteries will be closed during the Qingming period.

"Workers at cemeteries will present flowers at each tomb," Fang said.