Chinese health officials say 41 people have now died from the new respiratory virus that has infected over 1,200.
The latest deaths were all in Hubei province where the outbreak of the conoravirus began.
The authorities have cancelled many Lunar New Year celebrations across the country and are rapidly building a new hospital in the city of Wuhan.
The coronavirus has spread to Europe with three cases confirmed in France.
South Korea is also maintaining a high level of vigilance after its second confirmed case yesterday.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stressed citizens should follow strict personal hygiene rules whether they are in the country or traveling abroad.
The agency said people feeling ill should immediately contact its emergency call center by dialing "1339" to receive assistance.
It also asked people to wash their hands frequently, cover their mouths when coughing and wear a mask if they have respiratory problems.■
<Photo: Yonhap News>
