While the death toll from the deadly coronavirus outbreak climbed toward 500 in the world and confirmed cases worldwide reach 25,000, 15 Sri Lankans were still under medical observation in various parts of the country, Senior Epidemiologist, Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said today.

The Chinese woman (43) who had been infected with 2019 – nCOV and treated at the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) at Angoda has been fully recovered and could be discharged in a few days, he added.

Meanwhile, China's death toll stands at 490 with 24,324 confirmed cases and 3,219 severe cases despite global fears, were still concentrated mostly in Hubei. More than 7,000 held in two luxury cruise ships as virus spreads.

Hong Kong announced plans to quarantine travelers coming from the mainland, while thousands remained stuck in cruise ships.

Japan said 10 people on a cruise vessel tested positive for the disease. In Hong Kong, 3,600 passengers and crew from another ship were quarantined after three travelers were found to have infected with the virus. (Sandun A. Jayasekera)