China’s National Health Commission has announced a total of 259 deaths from the Wuhan virus as of Feb. 1, a daily record high.

Daily update

This is up from the number of 213 announced yesterday (Jan. 31).

All recorded deaths are in China, with most of it being in the Hubei province. A death has also been reported in Chongqing, according to CNA.

Additionally, the total number of confirmed cases in China has hit 11,821. 124 cases have been recorded abroad.

243 patients have also been discharged from the hospitals on the Chinese mainland.

An international emergency

Yesterday (Jan. 31), the World Health Organisation (WHO) also declared the novel coronavirus outbreak an "international emergency".

This implies a situation that affects public health globally beyond the affected country or state, and requires immediate international action.

The WHO will push for temporary non-binding recommendations which address travel and trade, along with measures such as quarantine, screening and treatment.

Singapore cases

Yesterday (Jan. 31), three new confirmed cases were also announced in Singapore, bringing the total confirmed cases in Singapore to 16.

Among these three is the first Singapore citizen infected with the virus, who was among those who returned from Wuhan recently.

There is still no evidence of community spread in Singapore.

Top photo via CG.