The number of confirmed cases of people affected by the novel coronavirus outbreak in China increased from 2,744 at the end of day on Sunday, Jan. 26 to 4,515 on end of day on Monday, Jan. 27, reported CNN.

This marks a nearly 65 per cent increase over the course of one day.

Death toll has hit 106

The death toll of the Wuhan virus had spiked to 106 on the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 28, up from 80 the previous day, according to CNN.

The majority of the confirmed cases of infection are in the Hubei province, which is the province of which Wuhan is the capital, and where the virus was first identified.

AFP reported that Beijing also experienced its first virus death.

CNN noted that compared to the SARS outbreak of 2002 and 2003, the current coronavirus outbreak has not been as deadly.

The SARS outbreak saw 8,098 confirmed cases and 774 deaths worldwide between November 2002 and July 2003.

However, CNN noted, the current coronavirus may be spreading more rapidly than the SARS virus did, either because it is more contagious or because of the interconnectedness of the world today compared to back in 2003.

Schools postponed, travel restricted

China has postponed the start of the spring semester following Lunar New Year for schools and universities across the country, reported The Straits Times.

ST reported that China's education ministry has not given a date at which classes will resume, but said that the schools and universities would reopen on a case-by-case basis.

The statement by the ministry also instructed school administrators to "require students not to go out, not to gather, and not to hold or participate in centralised activities".

South China Morning Post reported that international firms such as Facebook and Citigroup have encouraged their China- and Hong Kong-based employees to work from home.

Facebook has also restricted employee travel, stopping non-essential travel to China for Facebook employees.

Wuhan mayor offers to resign

The mayor of Wuhan, Zhou Xianwang, acknowledged the criticism surrounding the city's response to the coronavirus outbreak, reported The Telegraph.

In an interview with Chinese state media CCTV on Monday, Jan. 27, he acknowledged that the initial management of the outbreak and the speed of dissemination of information was not sufficient.

"As long as it helps contain the spread of virus, I’m willing to resign as a form of apology. Wuhan’s party chief, Ma Guoqiang, and I will take whatever the responsibility it contains", Zhou said.

At the same time, he pointed to the bureaucracy structures in place as part of the reason for the lack of transparency, saying, "As a local government, after I got the information, I must ask for authorisation before I could disclose it. Many people didn’t understand this at the time."

UN support of China's efforts

According to a statement by China's permanent mission to the United Nations on Monday, Jan. 27, the Chinese ambassador to the United Nations Zhang Jun said that, "With a great sense of responsibility, China is sparing no effort in curbing the spread of disease and saving lives."

According to "important instructions" by Chinese president Xi Jinping, China is "working with the international community in the spirit of openness, transparency and scientific coordination" during this "crucial moment".

Zhang also declared his confidence that "China has full capability and confidence in winning the battle against the epidemic".

UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasised the UN's solidarity with China and Chinese people, saying:

"The UN appreciates China's effort, has full confidence in China's ability of controlling the outbreak, and stands ready to provide any support and assistance."

Top image via REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins.