BEIJING, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Body temperature screenings are conducted at least twice on inbound passengers in Beijing to abate risks of imported cases of COVID-19, local authorities said Monday.

All inbound passengers will undergo checks by a non-invasive infrared thermal imaging system and handheld thermometers, with re-tests on key personnel by mercury thermometers, Gao Ruifeng, deputy head of Beijing Customs, told a press conference.

According to the official, Beijing has tightened up entry checks at airports to tackle the increasing risk of imported cases brought by the rapid spreading of the pandemic in the world.

Professional staffers are arranged at each passenger clearance site for medical inspection, with priorities on symptoms including fever, fatigue and cough, Gao said.

The customs also carries out strict epidemiological screenings for key personnel, registering their information and launching nucleic acid testing for those with certain symptoms, Gao added.

Confirmed COVID-19 cases, suspected cases, close contacts and those with fever and respiratory symptoms will be sent to designated hospitals and relevant information will be promptly reported to local authorities, Gao said.

Beijing reported 15 new confirmed cases of novel coronavirus disease from other countries from 12:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Monday, bringing the total number of imported cases in the capital to 122.