Coronavirus

There are ten students studying in Wuhan.

According to a statement, all the students are on their winter break.

Four of them have travelled abroad while six have remained in the city.

Chinese authorities have issued a travel ban for all residents of Wuhan as they want to contain the spread of the virus by stopping people from travelling to and out of Wuhan.

The Embassy of Samoa is considering relocating the students to  Beijing when the travel ban is lifted.

WHO officials made the announcement following two days of emergency committee meetings of health experts on the virus.

The coronavirus has infected more than 600 people worldwide, though mostly in China. As of Jan. 23, Chinese authorities have reported 17 deaths from the virus so far.

Cases have been reported in China, Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan and the United States. The virus causes a fever and, in some cases, difficulty breathing.

The Ministry of Health and the National Security Committee met with Cabinet Thursday to discuss strengthening border security and preparedness against the infectious virus.

“Cabinet is fully aware that another infectious disease outbreak will have catastrophic effects on the whole of Samoa and Cabinet is not sitting on the sidelines,” said Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.

The death toll from the coronavirus sweeping through China has increased to 17 to six and more than 500 people are confirmed to have the illness, which began in Wuhan.

Health authorities say the current risk to New Zealand is low.

But Otago University's Michael Baker says the virus has already spread to several other countries, and monitoring and preparation has to be stepped up. 

He says the recent spread of the measles to the Pacific highlights the obligation New Zealand has to the region.

Anyone who concealed new cases would "be nailed on the pillar of shame for eternity", the political body responsible for law and order said.

The warning came as state media said six people had now died from the virus, which causes a type of pneumonia.

It's been confirmed the virus can pass from person to person.