US issues 'do not travel' advisory to China over coronavirus

The United States has issued a "do not travel" advisory to China, the highest level of travel warning, due to the escalating coronavirus epidemic.

This decision aligns with the World Health Organization's declaration of the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

The State Department urged US citizens currently in China to consider departing via commercial flights, citing limited ability to provide emergency services in Hubei province.

The US reported its first instance of human-to-human transmission of the virus within the country.

China reported the death toll had climbed to 213 with nearly 10,000 infections.

Many other countries have also urged their citizens not to visit China, while some have banned entry for travelers from Wuhan.

Airlines began canceling flights servicing China, and more followed suit.

China has implemented extreme containment measures, including quarantining over 50 million people in Wuhan and Hubei province, and suspending various forms of transportation in affected areas.

US travelers are warned to be prepared for sudden travel restrictions, as Chinese authorities are actively working to contain the novel coronavirus.