Ten cities in China are now under lockdown with several restrictions, BBC reports.
Restrictions vary from city to city, with many cities suspending transport services.
Authorities have also cancelled major public events in other parts of the country, including:
- Shut down of the Forbidden City, Beijing's palace complex
- Cancellation of traditional temple fairs in Beijing
- Cancellation of an international carnival in Hong Kong
- Cancellation of annual football tournament in Hong Kong
- Cancellation of all public Lunar New Year celebrations in Macau
Last updated 11h51
WHO is currently in the process of deciding whether or not to declare a public health emergency of international concern.
According to reports on CNN, the city of Wuhan will temporarily close its airport and railway stations for departing passengers. All public transport services will also be suspended as authorities attempt to contain the virus. The city lockdown begins on Thursday, January 23.
The novel coronavirus, termed 2019-nCoV, has become a cause for concern as it rapidly spreads since the initial report of cases in December, 2019.
Chinese health officials have reported hundreds of infections with 2019-nCoV in China, including outside of Hubei Province.
A number of countries, including the United States, have been actively screening incoming travellers from Wuhan
Human infections with 2019-nCoV have been confirmed in Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, and South Korea.
The United States announced its first infection with 2019-nCoV detected in a traveller returning from Wuhan on January 21.
