LHASA, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- Barkhor Street, with Jokhang Temple at its center, has closed down scenic spots and enhanced disinfection measures as southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region confirmed its first case of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

The Barkhor neighborhood is the site of the old city of Lhasa, capital of Tibet. In winter, it is usually tightly packed with residents making purchases for the upcoming Tibetan New Year and Buddhists worshipping at the Jokhang Temple.

But since the old city was closed down on Jan. 27, many restaurants, sweet tea houses and souvenir shops have been shut to prevent the gathering of crowds.

The neighborhood committee staff knocked on each and every household to raise awareness about the novel coronavirus. Residents in the neighborhood have also been told to stay home and wear masks when going out.

According to the committee, community doctors have been summoned to disinfect the area regularly, and take the temperature of residents.

Checkpoints have been set up at the entrances of the old city to take the temperature of those entering the city. Residents who came back from other provinces were also advised to stay at home and avoid making contact with others.

Tibet reported the first confirmed case of 2019-nCoV on Thursday. The region's top-level emergency response was activated to contain the novel coronavirus epidemic.