The Philippines has reported the first death from a new virus outside of China, where authorities delayed the opening of schools in the worst-hit province and tightened quarantine measures in a city that allow only one family member to venture out to buy supplies.
Philippine officials say a 44-year-old Chinese man from Wuhan was admitted on Jan. 25 with a fever, cough and sore throat before he developed severe pneumonia.
His female companion also tested positive.
The Philippines joined the U.S. and others in banning entry to travellers from China.
Meanwhile, China's news agency says six officials in Huanggang, neighbouring the epicenter of Wuhan in Hubei province, have been fired over poor performance in handling the outbreak.
China has reported 304 deaths from the virus, more than 14 thousand - the vast majority in China - have been infected.
With files from Heather Seaman