People entering the Chinese mainland from Hong Kong via Shenzhen, Guangdong province, must hold a certificate indicating they have tested negative for the novel coronavirus, and they will be undergo a 14-day medical observation in isolation, Shenzhen government announced on Friday.

The new rule took effect on 10 am on Friday.

The announcement said the certificate should be issued by qualified testing institutes certified by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region within 72 hours of port entry.

Some specific groups such as important business people, cross-border truck driver and students are exempt from the quarantine after approval, but will continue to be subject to exiting epidemic prevention and control rules.

The policy was made in response to fluctuations in COVID-19 epidemic in the HKSAR to ensure safety and health of people entering from the region and maintain orderly customs clearance. It was based on exchanges and consultations between Guangdong province and Hong Kong, the announcement said.