China Battling Spread As Virus Gets Stronger

As death toll hits 56, country tightens curbs on movements and imposes temporary ban on wildlife sale

The ability of the new coronavirus to spread is strengthening and infections could continue to rise, China’s National Health Commission said on Sunday, with more than 2,000 people in China infected and 56 killed by the disease.

Health officials around the world are racing to prevent a pandemic after a handful of cases of infection were reported outside China, including in Thailand, Australia, the U.S. and France.

The Mayor of Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak, said he expected 1,000 new patients in the city, which was stepping up construction of special hospitals.

The newly identified coronavirus has created alarm because much about it is still unknown, such as how dangerous it is and how easily it spreads between people. It can cause pneumonia, which has been deadly in some cases.

China’s National Health Commission Minister Ma Xiaowei said the incubation period for the virus can range from one to 14 days, during which infection can occur, which was not the case with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).