BEIJING, Jan. 30 -- The Ministry of Civil Affairs has called for local departments at all levels to ensure the basic life of poor people amid the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Temporary assistance measures should be implemented for people in need if necessary by means of allocating personal protective equipment such as face masks, according to the ministry.

The ministry also urged enhanced efforts on temporary assistance including offering relief funds for patients infected by the virus who are living in hardship or under serious financial strain due to falling ill.

It stressed quarantine management for close contacts to curb the spread of the virus once a confirmed case is reported, adding that people showing suspected symptoms should go to a designated hospital.

Under the current epidemic situation, localities can properly streamline the procedures for applying for social assistance, said the ministry, encouraging online review and approval processing of such applications.