The National Health Commission (NHC) has shared the genetic sequences of the novel coronavirus associated with the cluster of pneumonia cases detected in Wuhan with the World Health Organization (WHO).

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health made the announcement after it received notification from the NHC today.

It pointed out that relevant institutions have also uploaded the genetic sequences onto the public online GenBank or Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID).

GISAID is now cross-checking the information and will publish it upon completion.

The CHP’s Public Health Laboratory Services Branch explained that it will also obtain the genetic sequences using GenBank.

It further noted that while it conducts molecular testing for a number of coronaviruses, it will develop specific tests based on the information of the new sequences.

According to the NHC, as of yesterday, no new cases have been reported.

Among the 41 patients diagnosed with having the novel coronavirus infection, six have been discharged, seven are in serious condition and one died, while the remaining patients are in stable condition.

A total of 763 close contacts have been identified. All have been put under medical surveillance with 46 of them having completed the surveillance, and no related cases have been detected so far.

The centre will continue to maintain close liaison with the NHC as well as the WHO and monitor the latest development on the cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan.