BEIJING, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities have urged residential communities to play a more prominent role in the fight against the novel coronavirus epidemic.

Communities should rally support from residents, volunteers, property management and social organizations in the joint prevention and control efforts, and become a strong fortress against the epidemic, according to a circular issued by the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

The circular called on community workers to use phones and other devices during door-to-door inspections to avoid infection, and encouraged the use of technologies such as big data and the Internet of Things to improve the effectiveness of work.

The circular stressed the importance of mediating disputes among residents in a timely manner and carrying out psychological counseling for the public.

It also called for efforts to ensure the supply of protective equipment and subsidies for personnel working in communities to fight the disease, appropriately arrange work shifts for them and explore epidemic prevention insurance for community workers.