Coronavirus is getting stronger and infections could rise, China warns
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The authorities say the virus is infectious even during the incubation period, which was not the case with the SARS outbreak.
The authorities said little is known about the new virus, and they are unclear on the risks posed by it mutating.
National Health Commission Minister Ma Xiaowei said the incubation period for the coronavirus can range from one to 14 days, and it is infectious during this time.
This was not the case with the previous Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak, which also originated in China and killed nearly 800 people around the world in 2002 and 2003.
"According to recent clinical information, the virus' ability to spread seems to be getting somewhat stronger," Mr Ma told reporters.
In response to the mounting crisis, containment efforts - which to date have included travel restrictions and the cancellation of major events - are to be ramped up in China.
The US is also to evacuate its diplomatic staff from the central Chinese city of Wuhan in Hubei, the epicentre of the outbreak, and has offered a limited number of seats on the flight to its citizens at greater risk of coronavirus
The UK Foreign Office has advised against "all travel to Wuhan" and said people should leave if they are able to do so.
The government is "looking at all options" to help stranded Britons, Home Secretary Priti Patel told Sky News.
More than 50 people have now been tested for coronavirus in the UK, but there are still no confirmed cases, according to the Department of Health (DoH).
France is also looking at repatriating around 800 of its nationals from Wuhan, the government has said.
So far 56 people in China have died in the latest outbreak, which has spread to other parts of the country including Beijing and Shanghai, and the number of confirmed cases has reached 1,975.
A small number of cases have also been confirmed in Thailand, Japan, South Korea, the US, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Nepal, France, Australia and Canada.
The UK Foreign Office has advised against "all travel to Wuhan" and said people should leave if they are able to do so.
The government is "looking at all options" to help stranded Britons, Home Secretary Priti Patel has told Sky News.
The number of people tested for coronavirus in Britain has passed 30 - although there are still no confirmed cases.
In Wuhan, where 11 million residents are already on lockdown, most vehicle use has been banned and 6,000 taxis have been earmarked to help transport people if needed.
The Chinese military has sent 450 medical staff, some with experience in past outbreaks including SARS and Ebola, to to help treat patients, while supplies, including 14,000 protective suits, are being rushed to the city.
Two new dedicated hospitals are also being built in the city to cope with rising numbers of cases.
Medical workers have been among those infected - and according to Wuhan media reports, a 62-year-old doctor has died from the virus.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has described the situation as "grave" .
