Photo taken on March 4, 2020 shows the skyscrapers of the Central Business District (CBD) in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

As the COVID-19 epidemic eases, Beijing plans to formulate 20 regulations to improve and strengthen the legal system of public health in the capital city this year and next year, including measures on infectious disease prevention and public health emergency response. 

Wang Rongmei, director of the legislative affairs office of the Standing Committee of Beijing Municipal People's Congress, reported the plan at a meeting of the local legislature on Thursday. 

It is of great significance for  the capital city of China to prevent and control epidemics in a scientific and orderly manner in accordance with the law, Wang said.

More than 590 confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported in Beijing since the outbreak, with the last case reported on April 15, reports said. 

The city's 2020-21 public health plan includes formulating regulations on infectious disease prevention, public health emergency response, hospital safety and order, traditional Chinese medicine management and implementing the law on the Red Cross Society of China.

The committee will also revise the regulations on the control of experimental animals and prevention of animal epidemics to improve the biosafety management system and curb biosafety risks. 

Wildlife protection and management regulations will be enacted as well to "resolutely eliminate" the habit of eating banned wildlife, according to the report. 

Improving and strengthening the legal system of public health and closing gaps in the legislation are important and urgent to ensure the rule of law in Beijing's public health management, said Wang. 

A number of projects will be further evaluated and amended in part of the city's plan to improve the public health system, including revising regulations on drinking water sanitation administration and funeral management.