Guangdong's top lawmaking body passed a law to ban the trade and consumption of wild animals yesterday in an emergency response measure to the viral outbreak.

The law, which took effect yesterday, was part of a decision announced by the Guangdong Provincial People’s Congress to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP), the province’s top legislature said.

Wet markets, restaurants, supermarkets and e-commerce platforms are barred from trading wildlife in any form.

People are required to stop eating wild animals. Any illegal behavior such as sales, purchase and transport of wild animals will be punished in accordance with the new law.

The decision will remain effective until it is terminated by the legislature.