Local authorities must strictly follow procedures when they disinfect homes and items contaminated by the novel coronavirus, a senior health official said on Friday.

Lei Zhenglong, deputy director of the National Health Commission's Bureau of Disease Prevention and Control, said that in some places, standard procedures have not been followed during disinfection and that proper communication with residents is necessary to improve work.

His remarks came following reports that entire buildings had been disinfected after the discovery of one positive case.

Disinfection has played an important role in efforts to prevent transmission, but local authorities should improve communication with residents before, during and after disinfection to gain their support, he said at a news conference.

Zhang Liubo, chief disinfection expert at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said that disinfecting the homes of those found to be positive is important in preventing infection among family members, as contaminated items and the surroundings may still carry traces of live virus.

However, residents must leave their homes before disinfection begins and workers should wear protective equipment, he said.

Authorities need to choose safe and effective disinfectants, and use different methods of disinfection for different items, he said.