The number of people infected with coronavirus in China surpasses the infection cases of SARS. (Photo: Reuters)

The number surpassed the infection cases of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) that broke out in 2002-2003. Chinese respiratory expert Zhong Nanshan said: “Mentioning the current situation of the epidemic, I think it is partial outbreak.”

China has allowed the World Health Organization to send international experts there as soon as possible to increase understanding of the coronavirus and guide the global response to the outbreak.

New cases of infection are being reported in Malaysia, France, and Germany. Canada has not yet reported any new case of infection but the Canadian administration set up a hotline to support passengers on the CZ311 flight from China to Canada on January 22 that confirmed a case of coronavirus infection. Thailand, the country with the most confirmed cases outside China of the new coronavirus, has set up a national committee headed by Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to manage the handling of the coronavirus situation.

Some airlines companies have reduced their flights to China. Global groups have restricted their officials to China. The White House warned that they may suspend all flights between the US and China due to the epidemic outbreak.