Chinese health authorities announced 22nd January that 440 confirmed cases of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) had been reported in the country by the end of 21st January.

The cases had resulted in nine deaths, said deputy director of the National Health Commission, at a press conference, reported Xinhua news agency. Earlier, Chinese President said on Monday that he expected the virus to be contained "with determination", while Prime Minister announced the creation of a group dedicated to fighting the illness. The World Health Organization will hold a meeting of experts on Wednesday to determine whether the current coronavirus outbreak in China constitutes an international emergency.