23 January
Chinese health authorities say eight more people have died in Hubei Province from pneumonia believed to be caused by a new type of coronavirus.
They say the deaths were confirmed on Wednesday, bringing the total number in China to 17.
The officials add that infections have been found in 25 Chinese cities and provinces with 571 cases in the country as a whole.
Authorities in the city of Wuhan, which is at the center of the outbreak, have temporarily halted outbound flights and trains from 10 a.m.
local time on Thursday to prevent the spread of the virus. The city is asking its residents not to leave Wuhan unless they have special business.
Local authorities have also canceled buses, subway trains and passenger ships that cross the Yangtze River in Wuhan.
They have been asking people to wear facemasks when using public transport, and in shops, parks and other places where people gather, starting on Wednesday.
China's National Health Commission has called on people not to visit Wuhan and is urging the city's residents not to go to other areas.
Concern is rising that the virus could spread further as the Lunar New Year holidays begin on Friday.
The previously unknown coronavirus strain is believed to have emerged late last year from illegally traded wildlife at an animal market in the central Chinese city of Wuhan.
Cases have been detected as far away as the United States, stoking fears the virus is already spreading worldwide.
-NHK
