This decision became another measure for the prevention of atypical pneumonia in the region, where cases of the disease were first recorded in November of last year. In accordance with the decision, which entered into force on May 10, it is forbidden to spit, throw cigarette butts, chewing gum remains, plastic bottles from soft drinks, and urinate in inappropriate places on the streets and in other public places. Violators face a fine of 50 yuan ($6), and persons who throw garbage in an inappropriate place face a fine of 200 yuan ($24).
As reported by RIA Novosti, more than a thousand sanitary inspectors have been sent to the streets of Guangzhou to patrol and check compliance with the rules, and they will fine violators. Representatives of the leadership of one of China's largest cities stated that these rules are intended to instill good behavior in the population and prevent the emergence of local outbreaks of atypical pneumonia.