The health QR code system developed by Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, will be promoted in other parts of the country by Alipay, the digital payment arm of Alibaba Group, according to a recent local news release.

Hangzhou launched the code system on Feb 11 to prevent the spread of the epidemic and help its residents return to work safely.

Residents and those entering the city are required to apply online and will receive a green, red or yellow code. The colors are based on the health information applicants give.

Those who plan to come to Hangzhou need to obtain a green code, and only those with green codes may travel around the city. Those with red or yellow must undergo seven to 14 days of quarantine.

With the guidance of the E-government office of the General Office at the State Council, Alipay is working to develop a national unified code system based on the Zhejiang model.

Officials said that the unified system will be launched next week.

Ever since Hangzhou launched the code system, it has been visited by tens of millions of people every day. As of Feb 15, 6.51 million people had received their code based on their relevant health information.

On Feb 15, Hangzhou granted residents the ability to have the accuracy of their code reviewed. The system is still improving and becoming more efficient.

A driver shows her health QR code to a volunteer in Hangzhou. [Photo/zj.zjol.com.cn]