WUHAN: China has stepped up measures to contain a virus that has so far killed 25 people and infected more than 800.

It has suspended several public means of transport in 10 cities, shut down temples, and has expedited the construction of a new hospital to treat people infected from the virus.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has already declared the new coronavirus an emergency for China.

It has been feared that the infection rate could increase over the Lunar New Year.