WHO was informed about virus by China in late December. The novel coronavirus has taken lives of neraly 213 people with confirming the cases totalling to 9,692.
There had been 98 cases in 18 other countries, but no deaths said the WHO. Most international cases are in people who had been to the Chinese city of Wuhan, epidemic's epicentre.
"We are still at a very critical stage in fighting the coronavirus. International solidarity is extremely important and for that purpose all countries should behave in an appropriate and responsible manner, said China Ambassador to the UN Zhang Jun.
Jun while speaking to reporters said, Beijing understands the concerns of other countries over the outbreak, "we should also listen to the advice" of the Director General of the WHO Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus who has said that he "has full confidence in China efforts to combat the outbreak.
Jun said that "there is no reason for measures that unnecessarily interfere with international travel and trade" and the WHO doesn't recommend limiting trade and movement.
The Chinese personnel added that under the current circumstances, the world needs solidarity in combating the outbreak. He stressed that all countries should adopt a responsible attitude, work together to combat the virus, and avoid "overreaction that may result in spillover negative effects.
He also added that we are still making our assessment of the WHO declaration. WHO Emergency Committee, declaring the coronavirus outbreak a global health emergency, called on all countries to take urgent measures to contain the respiratory disease.
The main reason for this declaration is not what is happening in China, but what is happening in other countries," said the WHO chief, praising the "extraordinary measures" taken by authorities there.
The statement from the Committee said, "China quickly identified the virus and shared its sequence, so that other countries could diagnose it quickly and protect themselves, which has resulted in rapid diagnostic tools."
According to a press release issued by the Chinese Mission to the UN, Jun reiterated that the WHO DG clearly stated that the main reason for this declaration is not because of what is happening in China but about protecting countries with weaker health systems and which are ill-prepared to deal with potential spread.
He said WHO continues to have confidence in China's capacity to control the outbreak and recommendations of the Director-General's must be ardently considered.
The US issued a 'Do Not Travel' advisory for China due to the coronavirus outbreak. "Do not travel to China due to novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China. On January 30, the World Health Organisation has determined the rapidly spreading outbreak constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. Commercial carriers have reduced or suspended routes to and from China, the advisory said.
Last week, the Department of State ordered the departure of all non-emergency US personnel and their family members from Wuhan.