As of today, more than 40,000 people have now been infected with the new coronavirus in the world. 73 % of an acute respiratory syndrome associated with a novel coronavirus is reported in Hubei province, China.

Outside China, the outbreak has now struck at least 391 people, including one fatality.

The World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend any specific measures for travellers. Also, the WHO does not recommend restrictions on trade or international traffic with countries where cases are registered.

The main task for countries in this situation, as the WHO statement reads, is to increase the level of readiness of the public health response system.

"Ukraine is taking all the necessary preparatory measures: monitoring the readiness of medical institutions for treatment and isolation of persons in case of detection of a coronavirus", Minister of Health Zoriana Skaletska said during a briefing at the Government House.

The Government has approved a decree, which envisages the establishment of operational headquarters chaired by the Prime Minister. This will allow taking prompt decisions that require cross-sectoral involvement.

Yesterday, the issue of evacuation of Ukrainian citizens from Hubei province was discussed at the operational headquarters meeting. These people will be kept in quarantine for 14 days.

"We are constantly working with our international colleagues: WHO, CDC. We in synergy with our American partners, who helped evacuate US Consulate staff from Wuhan, have developed approaches to isolate Ukrainian passengers from the Chinese province of Hubei," Zoriana Skaletska commented.