"At present, the rate of development of the epidemic is accelerating," the minister said at the press conference. "I am afraid that it will continue for some time, and the number of cases may increase."
China Is Building 1000 Bed Hospital In 5 Days To Treat The CoronavirusReuters reported today that the virus, which originated in Wuhan, China, has killed 56 people and infected more than 2,000.
While Wuhan and other neighbouring cities have since been quarantined, the virus has reportedly spread to at least 12 other countries, including Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Singapore, Nepal, France, Australia, Malaysia, Canada, and the US.
As of now, there are no available tests designed to detect this exact strain of coronavirus, since the term refers to a family of viruses which cause the common cold, said Chiu.
He detailed that someone who contracts the coronavirus could have minor symptoms which develop into the flu, or alternatively turn into more serious conditions, such as pneumonia.