Cao Wei, deputy head of infection medicine at the hospital, said self-isolation and social distancing are important ways to curb the spread of the disease, but this should be done tactfully.

"If you are self-isolating, make sure you are the right person to do home isolation, that means you should not live with people who are susceptible to the disease, like the elderly and those with underlying health conditions," she said. "If you think you have the virus, the most important thing is to not let your family get the virus from you."

In addition, it is important to have another family member or a friend to monitor the isolated person's conditions. "If you experience persistent high fever, shortness of breath, or altered mental state, it is time for you to go to a doctor and seek help," she added.