Here's a brief of what we know so far according to DingXiangYiSheng, whose source is from health authorities, as of 16:24 on Jan 29: 

• Confirmed cases: At least 6,074 in China, 67 abroad 

• Deaths: 132, mostly in Hubei 

• Recovered cases: 114 

• Human-to-human transmission confirmed 

• Incubation period: no more than 14 days 

FOREIGNER INFECTED 

A person of Pakistani nationality was diagnosed with a pneumonia infection caused by the novel coronavirus in Guangzhou. 

It is the first case of foreigner infected with the novel coronavirus in the city. No further details unveiled. 

The Chinese government will fulfill its international obligations and promptly address legitimate concerns of foreign citizens in China, according to Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu. 

The prevention and control of the virus is currently the most important work of the Chinese government and people, Ma noted. 

He also added that an all-round and multi-level prevention and control system has been built. 

"All related work are open and transparent, and progress is being made in a scientific and orderly way." 

CURRENT SITUATION 

Chinese health authorities announced Wednesday that 5,974 confirmed cases of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus had been reported across the country by the end of Jan 28. 

The number of cases has kept rising. There are 6,043 confirmed cases and 9,239 suspected cases as of Wednesday afternoon. 

Good news is that fatality rate for the novel coronavirus outbreak is expected to decrease. 

"So far, no medication has been developed to specifically target the virus, but scientists and medical workers have explored many ways." Zhong Nanshan, a renowned Chinese respiratory expert, said in an interview. 

"As great improvement has also been made in the life support system, the fatality rate is expected to drop further." 

PROGRESS 

• Novel Coronavirus Vaccine 

The project for the development of an mRNA vaccine targeting the novel coronavirus has been urgently approved. 

It is reported that no more than 40 days will be needed to manufacture the vaccine samples based on the new generation of mRNA technology and some preliminary procedures. 

The samples will be sent for tests and brought to clinics as soon as possible. 

• New Anti-virus Spray 

A new broad-spectrum antivirus spray has been put into use at the emergency wards of Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, protecting medical staff from the new coronavirus. 

The drug accessing user's respiratory tract via the spray has proved effective against the new coronavirus according to local media reports. 

The spray has played a positive role in the treatment of early-stage infections. But it is now only used on medical staff since it has not acquired the license of production. 

MORE MEASURES 

We've posted a few of measures taken to curb the spread of novel coronavirus, including holiday extension, compulsory mask order, and health monitoring. 

Here come some added measures: 

• HK to Reduce Transport Services with Mainland 

Hong Kong will significantly reduce transport services between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland to contain the spread of new coronavirus. 

Flights from the mainland to Hong Kong will be halved, and the high-speed railway will be suspended. 

Besides, the central authorities have approved 49 mainland cities stopping issuing new endorsements under the Individual Visit Scheme. 

• Macao to Tighten Border Entry 
  

The endorsements for individuals traveling from the mainland to Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) have been suspended. 

Starting from Monday, visitors from Hubei Province and those that have been to Hubei Province within 14 days of their arrival in Macao would not be allowed to enter casinos in Macao. 

Previously issued endorsements still valid will continue to be accepted. 

• Flights Suspension in Multiple Countries 
  

United Airlines announced on Tuesday that it is suspending 24 flights between China and the US in the first week of February amid coronavirus travel warnings. 

"Due to a significant decline in demand for travel to China, we are suspending some flights between our hub cities and Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai beginning Feb 1 through Feb 8," United said in a statement. 

In addition, airlines in UK and Canada will cancel or adjust some international flights. Please check the latest info if you have outbound travel plan. 

Q&A 

We've summerized Q&As mostly from recent interviews of the epidemiologist Li Lanjuan. Click here to read our previous article. 

Now we are going to give you more updated infos about the novel coronavirus.

• How does the novel coronavirus spread? 

The new virus is transmitted mainly through air droplets, but touching can spread the virus too, according to Chinese health authorities. 

According to an updated trial plan for the diagnosis and treatment, the main source of infection at present is the people who are infected with the virus. 

• What kind of people may be more likely to get infected? 
  

People are generally susceptible to the virus, including children and infants, the plan says. 

If infected, elderly people and people with underlying health problems such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases are more prone to become severely ill. 

• Why has the number of confirmed cases increased dramatically? 

There were less than 3,000 confirmed cases in our previous article but the number has risen to over 6,000 two days later. 

The sharp increase of confirmed cases has a lot to do with the ability of the coronavirus to spread. Currently it seems that human-to-human transmission is getting stronger. 

Another factor contributing to the rocketing number of infections lies in the timing of the epidemic outbreak, which happened in early December. 

As the Spring Festival travel rush kicked off less than a month later, people in areas with severe infections traveled nationwide, which accelerated the spread of the disease. 

• When can the epidemic be basically controlled? 

It is very difficult indeed to predict the epidemic trend at present. 

With multiple measures having been taken, it is believed that health authorities will effectively control the spread of the coronavirus. 

We can't have high hopes it will be done in a week. But the epidemic will be brought under control as long as all the measures can be put in place. 

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SOURCE | ECNS / CCTV / 丁香医生