Tomb-sweeping goes virtual

Shanghai resident Chen Xiaofan is among those who plans to visit the cemetery in person.

"My father passed away more than a year ago. According to local customs, we cannot skip any of the first three years of tomb-sweeping," she said.

"But I am sure he will understand if I cannot see him this year."

Some other cities in the Yangtze River Delta region have adopted similar policies at their cemeteries. According to Shanghai Observer, a local news portal, cities in Jiangsu province including Suzhou, Wuxi, Changzhou, Nanjing and Yangzhou have shut down their public cemeteries because of the viral outbreak.

"We suggest that you check with the local cemetery administrations before you leave Shanghai to perform tomb-sweeping at these regions," the Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau was quoted as saying on Shanghai Observer.

The bureau added that while residents who leave the city to do tomb-sweeping will not have to undergo quarantine upon their return, they should nonetheless take adequate measures to prevent infection and perform the necessary health registrations.