The coronavirus has killed 56 people in China, and infected more than 2,000 people globally.
That's according to the figures released on Sunday, with President Xi Jinping describing the situation as "grave".
Health officials in Beijing have sent out mobile text messages to all residents, urging them not to shake hands, in a bid to prevent a pandemic.
Meanwhile, US officials at the Wuhan consulate will be moved back home, with US citizens offered a limited number of seats on a January 28 flight to San Francisco.
The virus has spread to Chinese cities including Beijing and Shanghai, as well as the US, Thailand, South Korea, Japan, Australia, France and Canada.


Nine injured in attack in Taipei, media reports
Putin offers no compromise on Ukraine, says EU 'robbery' failed
Bangladesh rocked by unrest after death of student leader
Suspected gunman in Brown University shooting found dead
Ukraine's Zelenskyy meets Poland's Trump-backed president at key moment in war
No evidence alleged Bondi gunmen received military training in Philippines
At least 12 killed in Nigeria mining site attack
Russian attack on Ukraine's central Cherkasy injures six, causes blackouts
