Measures taken to curb contagion

China has enacted extraordinary measures to contain the spread of a new coronavirus that has killed more than 130 people, infected thousands and reached some 15 countries.

Here is a rundown of the steps taken so far in an unprecedented effort:

MILLIONS UNDER LOCKDOWN More than 56 million people are subject to travel curbs in Hubei province. Public transport has been stopped in 18 cities and online taxi services have been suspended.

In Wuhan, the government has halted all outbound travel.

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

Beijing, Shanghai and other megacities have suspended long-distance bus services. At least 2,000 inter-province train services have been cancelled.

Authorities have also asked citizens to delay international travel to stop the virus from spreading overseas.

HOLIDAYS EXTENDED

Public health officials asked China’s 1.4 billion citizens to confine themselves at home until all is clear. Schools and universities were ordered not to reopen until further notice.

ATTRACTIONS CLOSED

Beijing’s Forbidden City was closed from Saturday. Other famous landmarks including a section of the Great Wall, the Ming Tombs and Yinshan Pagoda also shut.

Tibet’s Potala Palace was shut down on Monday. Disneyland amusement parks in Shanghai and Hong Kong have closed down indefinitely.

TRAVEL SCREENINGS

China has ordered sterilisation and ventilation at airports and bus stations, as well as inside planes and trains, while travellers are being screened for fever.

TWO NEW HOSPITALS

Authorities in Wuhan are rushing to build two field hospitals by next week to handle the growing caseload.

The first facility is expected to be operational by next Monday and will have a capacity of 1,000 beds.

The second is slated to open two days later.