The diagnosis was confirmed on 20 January by laboratory testing of a clinical specimen

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that the virus had been diagnosed in a US resident who arrived in Seattle from China. "The patient sought care at a medical facility in the state of Washington, where the patient was treated for the illness," said the CDC. "Based on the patient's travel history and symptoms, healthcare professionals suspected this new coronavirus." The diagnosis was confirmed on 20 January by laboratory testing of a clinical specimen.

In the UK, flights arriving from Wuhan to London Heathrow will begin to be monitored. "The flights that come in from the affected region will now be given extra attention," said Transport Secretary Grant Shapps. He added that it is important to stay ahead of the issue and carefully monitor the situation.

The US has already introduced similar measures at airports in San Francisco, LA and New York and authorities have announced plans to introduce such measures at airports in Chicago and Atlanta this week.

Meanwhile, in Wuhan, Chinese authorities have warned that people should neither leave nor visit Wuhan. “Basically, do not go to Wuhan. And those in Wuhan please do not leave the city,” said Li Bin, Deputy Director of the National Health Commission.