Objective  To examine the knowledge and behaviors about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prevention and control among residents in Chaoyang district of Beijing city and to provide evidences for developing control strategies and measures on COVID-19 epidemic.

  Methods  Using convenient sampling, we conducted an electronic questionnaire survey among 15 391 residents in Chaoyang district through an online platform from March 2 to 12, 2020.

  Results  Among the respondents, the highest rates of awareness on COVID-19 prevention knowledge were 98.83% (15 211 respondents) for a 14-day quarantine at home or a centralized facility and 97.23% (14 964) for fever, cough and fatigue being common symptoms of the disease; while, the lowest rates were 43.45% (6 688) for covering nose and mouth with a paper towel or elbow flexion when coughing or sneezing and 46.05% (7 087) for to fully rub being the key step in effective hand washing, respectively. The rate of awareness on the two main transmission routes of the disease was 98.82% (15 209) for droplet transmission and 84.47% (13 001) for contact transmission. Compared to the male and rural respondents, the female and urban respondents reported a higher overall awareness rate of knowledge about COVID-19 prevention and the overall awareness rate was positively correlated with the respondents' education level (P < 0.01). Of the respondents, 98.02% (15 086) reported an increased frequency of hand washing during the epidemic period.

  Conclusion  Health education on COVID-19 prevention, especially on breathing etiquette, correct hand washing, and transmission route, should be further promoted among the public.