BELGRADE, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Serbia will consult China in its efforts to contain the spread of the COVID-19, said Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Wednesday.

Speaking at a press conference broadcast live on national television, Vucic praised China's handling of the outbreak in Wuhan, saying China has proved to be competent in fighting the disease.

"We will ask for additional advice from China. They are the most competent to teach us and inform us about their experience in coping with the disease. And I believe that we will receive great support from our Chinese friends. This is why we should look at how to show solidarity, and not just rush into closing borders," he said.

Vucic said there was no reason to ban arrivals from China, except for its Hubei province, the country's hardest-hit region by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.

The president explained that the other parts of China, such as Beijing, have lower numbers of confirmed cases than in some of major European cities.

At this point, there are 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Serbia, according to the health ministry.

Serbian government, after consultation with the Vucic and heads of health institutions, decided at Wednesday's session to ban indoor gatherings with more than 100 people to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19.

Based on advice from experts, the government believed that there was no need to close schools and universities at this point, but that indoor sports events should be held without audience.

Moreover, any migrant who arrives in Serbia from Turkey will be quarantined in the southern city of Presevo, according to the government.

Previously, the government has issued a ban on arrivals from areas with intensive transmission of the coronavirus and tightened border controls.  ■