The novel Wuhan coronavirus is spreading, and perhaps faster over Chinese New Year.

China's National Health Commission said on Jan. 25 that the total number of confirmed cases in China has skyrocketed to 1,287.

The number of lives claimed by the virus has hit 41, up from 25 yesterday (Jan. 24).

The 15 new deaths took place in Wuhan city where the the virus first broke out.

The Hubei province, where Wuhan is situated, reported 180 new cases overall, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Hubei to 729.

According to CNA, the disease has spread to 30 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities.

14 cities in Hubei, including Wuhan, are currently in lock-down. Residents are not allowed to travel out for fear of spreading the virus.

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3 confirmed cases in Singapore

In Singapore, the Ministry of Health (MOH) confirmed three cases of the virus on Jan. 24.

All three -- a 53-year-old female, a 37-year-old male, and a 66-year-old male -- are Wuhan residents. All have been isolated and the ministry has initiated contact tracing.

Health advisory from MOH

MOH has also issued a health advisory for members of the public to take note in response to the virus outbreak.

All travellers to China are advised to monitor their health closely and seek medical attention promptly if they feel unwell, and also inform their doctor of their travel history.

Members of the public should adopt the following precautions at all times:

• Avoid contact with live animals including poultry and birds, and consumption of raw and undercooked meats;
• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell or showing symptoms of illness;
• Observe good personal hygiene;
• Practise frequent hand washing with soap (e.g. before handling food or eating, after going to toilet, or when hands are dirtied by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing);
• Wear a mask if you have respiratory symptoms such as a cough or runny nose;
• Cover your mouth with a tissue paper when coughing or sneezing, and dispose the soiled tissue paper in the rubbish bin immediately; and
• Seek medical attention promptly if you are feeling unwell.

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Top image via THE CENTRAL HOSPITAL OF WUHAN VIA WEIBO /via REUTERS