The government is closely managing two communities in the Liwan district of Guangzhou, Guangdong province, as of Monday, according to a statement released by the district government on Monday.

"No residents are allowed to leave or enter the two communities, including Baihedong Street and Zhongnanjie Street, beginning Monday," the statement said.

"Local neighborhood staff will help affected residents purchase and distribute food and daily necessities after the two communities have been closed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus," the statement said.

The close management was introduced after five confirmed COVID-19 cases, plus 21 asymptomatic carriers, were identified in Liwan district. The district's first confirmed case was diagnosed on May 21, it said.