The new coronavirus has been declared a global emergency by the World Health Organization, as the outbreak continues to spread outside China.

"The main reason for this declaration is not what is happening in China but what is happening in other countries," said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

The concern is that it could spread to countries with weaker health systems. The death toll now stands at 170 people in China. The WHO said there had been 98 cases in 18 countries outside of the country, but no deaths.

Most cases have emerged in people who have travelled from the Chinese city of Wuhan, where the outbreak began. However, there have been eight cases of human-to-human infection - in Germany, Japan, Vietnam and the United States.

Dr Tedros, speaking at the press conference in Geneva, described the virus as an "unprecedented outbreak" that has been met with an "unprecedented response". He praised the "extraordinary measures" Chinese authorities had taken to prevent it from spreading. "Let me be clear, this declaration is not a vote of no confidence in China," he added. He also said that there is no reason to limit international trade or travel to China.

Various countries have taken steps to close borders or cancel flights in recent days.

Coronavirus outbreak

Data based on the first 425 cases confirmed in Wuhan:

59 was the average age of those infected

89% were not hospitalised until at least five days of illness

56% of the cases were men

55% of cases diagnosed before 1 January linked to seafood market

Data Source: The New England Journal of Medicine

More info and analysis: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-51318246

Pray: for those affected by this as-yet not fully understood strain of the Coronavirus.

Pray: that the spread of the virus will be contained.

Pray: for wisdom and insight for the medical researchers who are seeking both to build their understanding of the virus and the way that it mutates and to identify an effective inoculation and treatment.