Local authorities have been prohibited from imposing additional COVID-19 control measures on non-cold chain imports in an effort to stabilize supply chains, the State Council's Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism said in a notice released on Tuesday.

The latest research shows that at normal temperatures, the coronavirus only survives for a short period on the surface of most objects, and dies within a day.

Nucleic acid tests have been waived for all non-cold chain imports, but any deemed at high risk of transmission will still be disinfected.

Local authorities are asked to handle products unsuited to disinfection, such as hazardous chemicals, live animals, feed, fruit and vegetables, with appropriate and targeted measures.