China coronavirus deaths rise to 132 with 5,974 confirmed cases

China's death toll from the coronavirus outbreak has risen to 132 as of end-Tuesday, with another 1,459 new cases confirmed.

The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in China stands at 5,974 as of end-Tuesday.

Authorities extended the Lunar New Year holiday to reduce mass gatherings and prevent further spread of the virus originating from Wuhan City.

Fears of the spreading virus led airlines to reduce flights to China and global companies to restrict employee travel to the country.

The flu-like virus has spread overseas to more than a dozen countries, with confirmed person-to-person transmission in Germany, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Japan.

Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that China is confident of winning the battle against the virus and will strengthen international cooperation with the WHO.

The United States is expanding screening of arrivals from China to 20 airports and considering further travel curbs.

Several countries are organizing evacuations of their citizens from China, and Hong Kong plans to suspend rail and ferry links with the mainland.