Situation in China increasingly severe: 56 dead, several thousand infected

(Patria) - According to the latest information, 56 people have died from the coronavirus epidemic in China, and hundreds have been infected across the country, despite authorities' efforts to restrict movement in several million-strong cities.

In addition to hundreds of known and confirmed cases, around 7,000 people remain under enhanced medical surveillance due to potentially dangerous "close contacts".

Chinese President Xi Jinping said his country is facing a difficult situation. 

Despite everything, he said that China will win this battle, as it has many before.

As is known, Chinese authorities have imposed strict travel restrictions in Wuhan, the epicenter of the coronavirus, as well as in 20 cities in Hubei province.

Hong Kong has also raised its alert level due to the coronavirus epidemic in mainland China. Five cases of infection have been confirmed in Hong Kong.

Cases of infection have also been recorded worldwide, in Japan, Thailand, South Korea, the USA, Australia, France, Malaysia, Singapore, Nepal and Vietnam.