Beijing has so far adopted 179 thermal monitors in 35 subway stations to check the temperature of all passengers at entrances, a move to prevent and control the novel coronavirus outbreak, the Beijing Youth Daily reported Wednesday.

Since the Shanghai Volunteers Association launched an initiative online to curb the spread of the coronavirus epidemic on Jan. 28, the city as of Tuesday noon had recruited 27,874 volunteers with an aggregate service time exceeding 130,000 hours.

Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection (CHP) said on early Wednesday that it was investigating three cases of the novel coronavirus infection which were classified as local infection cases.

China's Ministry of Education (MOE) has required colleges and universities nationwide to offer online teaching and learning resources following the postponement of school semesters.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reiterated its call on Tuesday for countries not to impose restrictions that could ignite "fear and stigma," urging some high-income nations to better share information in the fight against the novel coronavirus outbreak.

The second batch of cargo train loaded with vegetables and fruits set out from Nanning to aid Hubei in its fight against novel coronavirus pneumonia.

Harbin has recently issued a notice that required supermarkets, vegetable markets, gas stations and other business premises that are closely related to the basic needs of the people to keep their doors open to maintain stable market supply. Disinfection and body temperature measurement, and adjustment of business hours to minimize the gathering of people are also required.

A catering company here voluntarily serves free lunches to medical staff of Anhui Provincial Hospital from Jan. 28, a form of support to combat the coronavirus epidemic.

Hong Kong will close five more immigration checkpoints at the border with the Chinese mainland starting from Feb 4, in an attempt to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus which originated in Wuhan of Central China's Hubei province.

Several ministry-level departments, including those responsible for railway ticket sales, agriculture and rural affairs, and public security, have responded recently to issues of public concern.