The Ministry of Civil Affairs on Friday advised the public to simplify funerals and cancel wedding dinner parties in a bid to reduce possible transmission of the novel coronavirus.

In a circular published on its website, the ministry said local authorities should guide the public to make funeral arrangements simple and fast, and avoid congregations. Efforts should be made to disinfect marriage registration centers as well as to monitor registrars' body temperatures.

The ministry advised local authorities to cancel marriage registration on Feb 2, the super-symmetrical date for tying knots, known as "20200202". Before the outbreak spread nationwide, many internet users had called for local authorities to alter their schedule and allow registrations on that day, a Sunday.

The circular recommended would-be couples to make appointments before heading to registration centers, so as to avoid crowds.

It also advised registration centers to suspend services including marriage counseling and to persuade people not to hold wedding dinner parties.