Coronavirus outbreak: Death toll in China rises to 3,042

As the Coronavirus spreads like wildfire, spreading across more than 90 countries, China-the epicentre of the outbreak-has reported 30 more deaths, taking the death toll to 3,042.

"The National Health Commission received information about 80,552 confirmed cases of pneumonia caused by a new type of coronavirus from 31 provinces [regions and municipalities], including 23,784 currently ill people. 5,737 people are in critical condition, 3,042 have died, 53,726 people have been discharged from hospitals," the commission stated.

As of today (Friday), 143 new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed.

In the wake of the deadly epidemic, China has imposed a ban on the consumption and farming of wild animals across the country. Scientists are still trying to find out a definite cure of the virus, and the intermediate transmitter of the coronavirus, with many speculating that--bats, pangolins--are in the fray among other potential wild animals who are likely to have spread the virus among humans.

The virus is believed to have spread late last year from a Wuhan market that sold wild animals.

Hubei, where 18 cities with over 50 million people are under lockdown since January 23, announced a slew of more stringent measures to control the epidemic, including enforcing province-wide traffic restrictions on all non-emergency vehicles and closing all non-essential public venues.

A circular by the provincial government said the health screening campaign should be strengthened and no one should be missed. Also, companies should not resume production unless allowed by local authorities. Those that have resumed work including public institutions should follow strict prevention measures.

Schools remain closed in China in view of the epidemic. Primary and middle schools in different regions will remain closed until further instructions, China's Ministry of Education stated.

The World Health Organisation on Sunday said that the virus was common among those over the age of 60 and people affected by other illnesses.