World offers China help against novel coronavirus

Help has been pouring in from around the world as the novel coronavirus spreads from Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, where the outbreak began.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday said the UN appreciates China's efforts in battling the novel coronavirus outbreak and has full confidence in its ability in controlling it, adding that the UN stands ready to provide support and assistance.

He made the remarks in a meeting with China's Permanent Representative to the UN Zhang Jun.

U.S. President Donald Trump said that his country will offer China "any help that is necessary" on Monday to control the coronavirus outbreak in the city of Wuhan. "We are in very close communication with China," he tweeted.

Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department raised its travel advisory level from Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution to Level 3: Reconsider Travel due to the novel coronavirus. "Chinese authorities have imposed strict travel restrictions in the area around Wuhan. Travelers should be aware that the Chinese government could prevent them from entering or exiting parts of Hubei province," said a statement from U.S. Department of State.

The State Department has arranged a flight for non-emergency personnel and their families to leave Wuhan. A State Department official said Monday that the flight would depart Wednesday morning, local time, and would travel to Ontario, California.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said on Sunday that China has made relevant arrangements and assistance for the U.S. to withdraw its diplomats and citizens from Wuhan.

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has also arrived in China and will meet with Chinese officials and health experts about the coronavirus outbreak.

In a tweet, the director-general said he wanted to strengthen WHO's partnership with China "in providing further protection against the outbreak."

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said that a friend in need is a friend indeed, adding that Japan stands ready to work with China to deal with the threat of the outbreak and provide all-round support and assistance to China.

One million masks donated by the Japanese people have arrived in China's southwestern city of Chengdu and were rushed to Wuhan, according to Sichuan Airlines.