China is disinfecting and destroying cash to contain the coronavirus

Jessie Yeung
By Jessie Yeung, CNN Business
Updated 3:20 AM EST, Mon February 17, 2020
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Hong Kong CNN Business  — 

As the novel coronavirus outbreak continues to batter China, the country’s central bank has implemented a new strategy to contain the virus – deep cleaning and destroying potentially infected cash.

The new measures, announced by the People’s Bank of China on Saturday, aim to contain the spread of the virus, officially known as Covid-19. There is still a lot unknown about the virus, which has infected more than 71,000 people globally and killed 1,775, the majority in China – but it appears to survive for at least several hours on surfaces, according to the World Health Organization.

This is why buildings in affected areas are regularly disinfecting elevator buttons, door handles, and other commonly-touched surfaces – and why people are worried about cash, which changes hands multiple times a day.

All Chinese banks must now literally launder their cash, disinfecting it with ultraviolet light and high temperatures, then storing it for seven to 14 days before releasing it to customers, said the central Chinese government in a press release Saturday.

Medical staff wearing protective suits ride down an escalator at Moscow's Sheremetyevo International Airport on Wednesday, March 18.
Medical staff wearing protective suits ride down an escalator at Moscow's Sheremetyevo International Airport on Wednesday, March 18.
Dimitar Dilkoff/AFP/Getty Images
Hasidic Jewish men take part in a <a href="https://jewishinsider.com/2020/03/white-houses-avi-berkowitz-implores-hasidic-leaders-to-follow-coronavirus-measures/" target="_blank" target="_blank">"social distancing" minyan</a> in New York on Tuesday, March 17.
Hasidic Jewish men take part in a "social distancing" minyan in New York on Tuesday, March 17.
JewishInsider.com
A patient in a biocontainment unit is carried on a stretcher in Rome on March 17.
A patient in a biocontainment unit is carried on a stretcher in Rome on March 17.
Alessandra Tarantino/AP
A pedestrian walks a dog through a quiet street in New York on March 17.
A pedestrian walks a dog through a quiet street in New York on March 17.
John Minchillo/AP
People gather to collect free face masks in New Delhi on March 17.
People gather to collect free face masks in New Delhi on March 17.
Sajjad Hussain/AFP/Getty Images
Dermot Hickey, left, and Phillip Vega ask a pedestrian in New York to take their picture on a thinly trafficked Fifth Avenue on March 17. Many streets across the world are much more bare as people distance themselves from others. In the United States, the White House has advised people <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/16/politics/white-house-guidelines-coronavirus/index.html" target="_blank">not to gather in groups of more than 10.</a>
Dermot Hickey, left, and Phillip Vega ask a pedestrian in New York to take their picture on a thinly trafficked Fifth Avenue on March 17. Many streets across the world are much more bare as people distance themselves from others. In the United States, the White House has advised people not to gather in groups of more than 10.
John Minchillo/AP
Students at the Attarkiah Islamic School wear face masks during a ceremony in Thailand's southern province of Narathiwat on March 17.
Students at the Attarkiah Islamic School wear face masks during a ceremony in Thailand's southern province of Narathiwat on March 17.
Madaree Tohlala/AFP/Getty Images
People wait outside a Woolworths store in Sunbury, Australia on March 17. Australian supermarket chains announced special shopping hours for the elderly and people with disabilities so that they can shop in less crowded aisles.
People wait outside a Woolworths store in Sunbury, Australia on March 17. Australian supermarket chains announced special shopping hours for the elderly and people with disabilities so that they can shop in less crowded aisles.
Jack Thomas/Getty Images
A member of Spain's Military Emergencies Unit carries out a general disinfection at the Malaga airport on Monday, March 16.
A member of Spain's Military Emergencies Unit carries out a general disinfection at the Malaga airport on Monday, March 16.
Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images
Displaced families near Atme, Syria, attend a workshop aimed at spreading awareness about the coronavirus.
Displaced families near Atme, Syria, attend a workshop aimed at spreading awareness about the coronavirus.
Aaref Watad/AFP/Getty Images
French President Emmanuel Macron is seen on a screen in Paris as he announces new coronavirus containment measures on March 16. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/coronavirus-outbreak-03-17-20-intl-hnk/h_da63d65d14fcffbc7105f1a287478a55" target="_blank">France has been put on lockdown,</a> and all nonessential outings are outlawed and can draw a fine of up to €135 ($148). Macron also promised to support French businesses by guaranteeing €300 billion worth of loans and suspending rent and utility bills owed by small companies.
French President Emmanuel Macron is seen on a screen in Paris as he announces new coronavirus containment measures on March 16. France has been put on lockdown, and all nonessential outings are outlawed and can draw a fine of up to €135 ($148). Macron also promised to support French businesses by guaranteeing €300 billion worth of loans and suspending rent and utility bills owed by small companies.
Ludovic Marin/AFP/Getty Images
A police officer checks the temperatures of bus passengers at a checkpoint in Manila, Philippines, on March 16.
A police officer checks the temperatures of bus passengers at a checkpoint in Manila, Philippines, on March 16.
Aaron Favila/AP
Flowers are stored prior to their destruction at a flower auction in Aalsmeer, Netherlands, on March 16. Lower demand due to the coronavirus outbreak is threatening the Dutch horticultural sector, forcing the destruction of products.
Flowers are stored prior to their destruction at a flower auction in Aalsmeer, Netherlands, on March 16. Lower demand due to the coronavirus outbreak is threatening the Dutch horticultural sector, forcing the destruction of products.
Lex van Lieshout/ANP/AFP/Getty Images
Two nuns greet neighbors from their balcony in Turin, Italy, on Sunday, March 15.
Two nuns greet neighbors from their balcony in Turin, Italy, on Sunday, March 15.
Nicolo Campo/LightRocket/Getty Images
Pope Francis, inside the Church of San Marcello in Rome's city center,<a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/16/europe/pope-francis-prayer-coronavirus-plague-crucifix-intl/index.html" target="_blank"> prays at a famous crucifix</a> that believers claim helped to save Romans from the plague in 1522.
Pope Francis, inside the Church of San Marcello in Rome's city center, prays at a famous crucifix that believers claim helped to save Romans from the plague in 1522.
Vatican Media/AFP/Getty Images
Passengers wait for their flights at Marrakesh Airport in Morocco on March 15.
Passengers wait for their flights at Marrakesh Airport in Morocco on March 15.
AFP/Getty Images
US Vice President Mike Pence takes a question during a White House briefing about the coronavirus on March 15.
US Vice President Mike Pence takes a question during a White House briefing about the coronavirus on March 15.
Alex Brandon/AP
A Sea World employee sprays disinfectant in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Saturday, March 14.
A Sea World employee sprays disinfectant in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Saturday, March 14.
Dita Alangkara/AP
People wait in line to go through customs at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport on March 14. Travelers returning from Europe say they were <a href="https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/coronavirus-airport-screening-sunday/index.html" target="_blank">being made to wait for hours </a>at US airports, often in close quarters, as personnel screened them for the coronavirus.
People wait in line to go through customs at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport on March 14. Travelers returning from Europe say they were being made to wait for hours at US airports, often in close quarters, as personnel screened them for the coronavirus.
Austin Boschen via AP
Hundreds of people lined up to enter a Costco in Novato, California, on March 14. Many people have been stocking up on food, toilet paper and other items. As a response to <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/09/health/toilet-paper-shortages-novel-coronavirus-trnd/index.html" target="_blank">panic buying,</a> retailers in the United States and Canada have started limiting the number of toilet paper that customers can buy in one trip.
Hundreds of people lined up to enter a Costco in Novato, California, on March 14. Many people have been stocking up on food, toilet paper and other items. As a response to panic buying, retailers in the United States and Canada have started limiting the number of toilet paper that customers can buy in one trip.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
A member of the White House physician's office takes a media member's temperature in the White House briefing room on March 14. It was ahead of a news conference with President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence.
A member of the White House physician's office takes a media member's temperature in the White House briefing room on March 14. It was ahead of a news conference with President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence.
Alex Brandon/AP
Reporters in Arlington, Virginia, sit approximately 4 feet apart during a briefing by Marine Corps Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie on Friday, March 13.
Reporters in Arlington, Virginia, sit approximately 4 feet apart during a briefing by Marine Corps Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie on Friday, March 13.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
People walk past a closed Broadway theater on March 13 after New York canceled all gatherings over 500 people.
People walk past a closed Broadway theater on March 13 after New York canceled all gatherings over 500 people.
Eduardo Munoz/ VIEWpress via Getty Images
Body temperatures are scanned as people enter the Buddhist temple Wat Pho in Bangkok, Thailand, on March 13.
Body temperatures are scanned as people enter the Buddhist temple Wat Pho in Bangkok, Thailand, on March 13.
Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images
A Costco customer stands by two shopping carts in Richmond, California, on March 13.
A Costco customer stands by two shopping carts in Richmond, California, on March 13.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
A teacher works in an empty classroom at the Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, Spain.
A teacher works in an empty classroom at the Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, Spain.
Emilio Morenatti/AP
A woman looks at an empty bread aisle in Antwerp, Belgium, on March 13.
A woman looks at an empty bread aisle in Antwerp, Belgium, on March 13.
Virginia Mayo/AP
Employees of the Greek Parliament wear plastic gloves ahead of the swearing-in ceremony for Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou.
Employees of the Greek Parliament wear plastic gloves ahead of the swearing-in ceremony for Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou.
Thanassis Stavrakis/AP
A motorcyclist drives through disinfectant sprayed in Jammu, India, on March 13.
A motorcyclist drives through disinfectant sprayed in Jammu, India, on March 13.
Channi Anand/AP
Workers prepare to construct an additional building on a hospital on the outskirts of Moscow.
Workers prepare to construct an additional building on a hospital on the outskirts of Moscow.
Pavel Golovkin/AP
Paul Boyer, head equipment manager of the NHL's Detroit Red Wings, wheels out equipment bags in Washington on Thursday, March 12. The NHL is among the sports leagues that have suspended their seasons.
Paul Boyer, head equipment manager of the NHL's Detroit Red Wings, wheels out equipment bags in Washington on Thursday, March 12. The NHL is among the sports leagues that have suspended their seasons.
Nick Wass/AP
Students leave Glacier Peak High School in Snohomish, Washington, on March 12. Beginning the following day, schools in the Snohomish school district planned to be closed through April 24.
Students leave Glacier Peak High School in Snohomish, Washington, on March 12. Beginning the following day, schools in the Snohomish school district planned to be closed through April 24.
Grant Hindsley/The New York Times/Redux
An Uber Eats delivery biker stands at a deserted Piazza di Spagna in Rome.
An Uber Eats delivery biker stands at a deserted Piazza di Spagna in Rome.
Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images
People at a railway station in Seoul, South Korea, watch a live broadcast of US President Donald Trump on March 12. Trump announced that, in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus, he would <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/11/politics/donald-trump-coronavirus-statement/index.html" target="_blank">sharply restrict travel</a> from more than two dozen European countries.
People at a railway station in Seoul, South Korea, watch a live broadcast of US President Donald Trump on March 12. Trump announced that, in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus, he would sharply restrict travel from more than two dozen European countries.
Ahn Young-joon/AP
Workers in protective suits disinfect Istanbul's Dolmabahce Palace on March 11.
Workers in protective suits disinfect Istanbul's Dolmabahce Palace on March 11.
Umit Bektas/Reuters
A person wearing a face mask walks outside of a shopping mall in Beijing on March 11.
A person wearing a face mask walks outside of a shopping mall in Beijing on March 11.
Nicolas Asfouri/AFP/Getty Images
Police officers restrain the relative of an inmate outside the Sant'Anna jail in Modena, Italy, on March 9. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/asia/live-news/coronavirus-outbreak-03-09-20-intl-hnk/h_950c62671e245816c223fb84f1306fe6" target="_blank">Riots broke out</a> in several Italian jails after visits were suspended to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Police officers restrain the relative of an inmate outside the Sant'Anna jail in Modena, Italy, on March 9. Riots broke out in several Italian jails after visits were suspended to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Piero Cruciatti/AFP/Getty Images
Medical staff in Wuhan, China, celebrate after all coronavirus patients were discharged from a temporary hospital on March 9.
Medical staff in Wuhan, China, celebrate after all coronavirus patients were discharged from a temporary hospital on March 9.
Stringer/AFP/Getty Images
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on March 9. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/08/investing/stock-dow-futures-coronavirus/index.html" target="_blank">Stocks plummeted</a> as coronavirus worries and an oil price race to the bottom weighed on global financial markets.
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on March 9. Stocks plummeted as coronavirus worries and an oil price race to the bottom weighed on global financial markets.
Richard Drew/AP
Rescuers search for victims at the site of a <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/07/china/china-coronavirus-hotel-collapse/index.html" target="_blank">collapsed hotel</a> in Quanzhou, China, on March 8. The hotel was being used as a coronavirus quarantine center.
Rescuers search for victims at the site of a collapsed hotel in Quanzhou, China, on March 8. The hotel was being used as a coronavirus quarantine center.
Lin Shanchuan/Xinhua/AP
The Grand Princess cruise ship, carrying at least 21 people who tested positive for coronavirus, is seen off the coast of San Francisco on March 8. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/09/health/us-coronavirus-monday/index.html" target="_blank">The ship was being held at sea.</a>
The Grand Princess cruise ship, carrying at least 21 people who tested positive for coronavirus, is seen off the coast of San Francisco on March 8. The ship was being held at sea.
Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images
Sumo wrestlers attend a tournament in Osaka, Japan, that was being held behind closed doors because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Sumo wrestlers attend a tournament in Osaka, Japan, that was being held behind closed doors because of the coronavirus outbreak.
STR/JIJI PRESS/AFP via Getty Images
A couple rides a bicycle at a park in Seoul, South Korea, on March 7.
A couple rides a bicycle at a park in Seoul, South Korea, on March 7.
Ahn Young-joon/AP
A volunteer from Blue Sky Rescue uses fumigation equipment to disinfect a residential compound in Beijing on March 5.
A volunteer from Blue Sky Rescue uses fumigation equipment to disinfect a residential compound in Beijing on March 5.
Kevin Frayer/Getty Images
Airmen from the California National Guard drop coronavirus testing kits down to the <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/05/health/california-coronavirus-cruise-ship-thursday/index.html" target="_blank">Grand Princess cruise ship </a>off the coast of California on March 5.
Airmen from the California National Guard drop coronavirus testing kits down to the Grand Princess cruise ship off the coast of California on March 5.
California National Guard via AP
Municipal workers are seen at the Kaaba, inside Mecca's Grand Mosque. Saudi Arabia emptied Islam's holiest site for sterilization over coronavirus fears, an unprecedented move after the kingdom suspended the year-round Umrah pilgrimage.
Municipal workers are seen at the Kaaba, inside Mecca's Grand Mosque. Saudi Arabia emptied Islam's holiest site for sterilization over coronavirus fears, an unprecedented move after the kingdom suspended the year-round Umrah pilgrimage.
Abdel Ghani Bashir/AFP/Getty Images
Passengers react as a worker wearing a protective suit disinfects the departure area of a railway station in Hefei, China, on March 4.
Passengers react as a worker wearing a protective suit disinfects the departure area of a railway station in Hefei, China, on March 4.
Noel Celis/AFP/Getty Images
Teachers at the Nagoya International School in Japan conduct an online class for students staying at home as a precaution against the spread of coronavirus.
Teachers at the Nagoya International School in Japan conduct an online class for students staying at home as a precaution against the spread of coronavirus.
Yoichi Hayashi/AP
Soldiers spray disinfectant throughout a shopping street in Seoul.
Soldiers spray disinfectant throughout a shopping street in Seoul.
Ahn Young-joon/AP
A Muslim worshipper attends a mass prayer against coronavirus in Dakar, Senegal, on March 4. It was after cases were confirmed in the country.
A Muslim worshipper attends a mass prayer against coronavirus in Dakar, Senegal, on March 4. It was after cases were confirmed in the country.
John Wessels/AFP/Getty Images
People wear face masks in New York's Times Square on March 3. New York reported its first case of coronavirus two days earlier.
People wear face masks in New York's Times Square on March 3. New York reported its first case of coronavirus two days earlier.
Eduardo Munoz/VIEWpress/Getty Images
A security guard stands on the Shibuya Sky observation deck in Tokyo on March 3.
A security guard stands on the Shibuya Sky observation deck in Tokyo on March 3.
Jae C. Hong/AP
US President Donald Trump, flanked by Vice President Mike Pence, left, and Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, speaks during a meeting with pharmaceutical executives and the White House coronavirus task force on March 2. Throughout <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/02/politics/donald-trump-coronavirus-vaccine-push-back/index.html" target="_blank">the meeting,</a> Trump was hyperfocused on pressing industry leaders in the room for a timeline for a coronavirus vaccine and treatment. But experts at the table -- from the administration and the pharmaceutical industry -- repeatedly emphasized that a vaccine can't be rushed to market before it's been declared safe for the public.
US President Donald Trump, flanked by Vice President Mike Pence, left, and Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, speaks during a meeting with pharmaceutical executives and the White House coronavirus task force on March 2. Throughout the meeting, Trump was hyperfocused on pressing industry leaders in the room for a timeline for a coronavirus vaccine and treatment. But experts at the table -- from the administration and the pharmaceutical industry -- repeatedly emphasized that a vaccine can't be rushed to market before it's been declared safe for the public.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Medical staff stand outside a hospital in Daegu, South Korea, on March 1.
Medical staff stand outside a hospital in Daegu, South Korea, on March 1.
Kim Hyun-tae/AP
Healthcare workers transfer a patient at the Life Care Center in Kirkland, Washington, on March 1. The long-term care facility is linked to confirmed coronavirus cases.
Healthcare workers transfer a patient at the Life Care Center in Kirkland, Washington, on March 1. The long-term care facility is linked to confirmed coronavirus cases.
David Ryder/Reuters
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson visits a London laboratory of the Public Health England National Infection Service.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson visits a London laboratory of the Public Health England National Infection Service.
Henry Nicholls/AP
Tomoyuki Sugano, a professional baseball player on the Yomiuri Giants, throws a pitch in an empty Tokyo Dome during a preseason game on February 29. Fans have been barred from preseason games to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Tomoyuki Sugano, a professional baseball player on the Yomiuri Giants, throws a pitch in an empty Tokyo Dome during a preseason game on February 29. Fans have been barred from preseason games to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Eugene Hoshiko/AP
Commuters wearing masks make their way to work during morning rush hour at the Shinagawa train station in Tokyo on February 28.
Commuters wearing masks make their way to work during morning rush hour at the Shinagawa train station in Tokyo on February 28.
Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images
Medical staff transport a coronavirus patient within the Red Cross hospital in Wuhan on February 28.
Medical staff transport a coronavirus patient within the Red Cross hospital in Wuhan on February 28.
STR/AFP/Getty Images
Inter Milan plays Ludogorets in an empty soccer stadium in Milan, Italy, on February 27. The match <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/28/football/inter-milan-coronavirus-ludogorets-football-spt-intl/index.html" target="_blank">was ordered to be played behind closed doors</a> as Italian authorities continue to grapple with the coronavirus outbreak.
Inter Milan plays Ludogorets in an empty soccer stadium in Milan, Italy, on February 27. The match was ordered to be played behind closed doors as Italian authorities continue to grapple with the coronavirus outbreak.
Emilio Andreoli/UEFA via AP
A bank clerk disinfects banknotes in China's Sichuan province on February 26.
A bank clerk disinfects banknotes in China's Sichuan province on February 26.
Chinatopix Via AP
A child wearing a protective face mask rides on a scooter in an empty area in Beijing.
A child wearing a protective face mask rides on a scooter in an empty area in Beijing.
Roman Pilipey/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
A Catholic devotee wears a face mask as he is sprinkled with ash during Ash Wednesday services in Paranaque, Philippines, on February 26.
A Catholic devotee wears a face mask as he is sprinkled with ash during Ash Wednesday services in Paranaque, Philippines, on February 26.
Ezra Acayan/Getty Images
People disinfect Qom's Masumeh shrine in Tehran, Iran, on February 25.
People disinfect Qom's Masumeh shrine in Tehran, Iran, on February 25.
MEHDI MARIZAD/FARS NEWS AGENCY/AFP via Getty Images
A worker in Daegu stacks plastic buckets containing medical waste from coronavirus patients on February 24.
A worker in Daegu stacks plastic buckets containing medical waste from coronavirus patients on February 24.
Lee Moo-ryul/Newsis/AP
Paramedics carry a stretcher off an ambulance in Hong Kong on February 23.
Paramedics carry a stretcher off an ambulance in Hong Kong on February 23.
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
People attend a professional soccer match in Kobe, Japan, on February 23. To help stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, the soccer club Vissel Kobe <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/vissel-kobe/story/4057914/iniestas-vissel-kobe-ban-singing-chanting-due-to-coronavirus-threat" target="_blank" target="_blank">told fans not to sing, chant or wave flags</a> in the season opener against Yokohama FC.
People attend a professional soccer match in Kobe, Japan, on February 23. To help stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, the soccer club Vissel Kobe told fans not to sing, chant or wave flags in the season opener against Yokohama FC.
STR/Jiji Press/AFP/Getty Images
A team of volunteers disinfects a pedestrian bridge in Bangkok, Thailand.
A team of volunteers disinfects a pedestrian bridge in Bangkok, Thailand.
Mladen Antonov/AFP/Getty Images
A man rides his bike in Beijing on February 23.
A man rides his bike in Beijing on February 23.
Kevin Frayer/Getty Images
Hospital personnel in Codogno, Italy, carry new beds inside the hospital on February 21. The hospital is hosting some people who have been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus.
Hospital personnel in Codogno, Italy, carry new beds inside the hospital on February 21. The hospital is hosting some people who have been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus.
Luca Bruno/AP
Doctors look at a CT scan of a lung at a hospital in Xiaogan, China, on February 20.
Doctors look at a CT scan of a lung at a hospital in Xiaogan, China, on February 20.
STR/AFP/Getty Images
A sales clerk wears a mask as she waits for customers at a hat shop in Beijing on February 18.<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/14/economy/coronavirus-china-economy-small-businesses/index.html" target="_blank"> </a>Small companies that help drive China's economy <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/14/economy/coronavirus-china-economy-small-businesses/index.html" target="_blank">are worried about how much damage</a> the coronavirus outbreak will cause to business.
A sales clerk wears a mask as she waits for customers at a hat shop in Beijing on February 18. Small companies that help drive China's economy are worried about how much damage the coronavirus outbreak will cause to business.
Kevin Frayer/Getty Images
Buses carrying American passengers arrive at the Haneda Airport in Tokyo on February 17. The passengers <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/17/health/diamond-princess-american-evacuees-flight/index.html" target="_blank">were leaving the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship</a> to be repatriated to the United States.
Buses carrying American passengers arrive at the Haneda Airport in Tokyo on February 17. The passengers were leaving the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship to be repatriated to the United States.
Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP/Getty Images
A medical worker rests at the isolation ward of the Red Cross hospital in Wuhan on February 16.
A medical worker rests at the isolation ward of the Red Cross hospital in Wuhan on February 16.
Stringer/AFP/Getty Images
Authorities watch as the Westerdam cruise ship approaches a port in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, on February 13. Despite having no confirmed cases of coronavirus on board, the Westerdam was refused port by four other Asian countries before being allowed to dock in Cambodia.
Authorities watch as the Westerdam cruise ship approaches a port in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, on February 13. Despite having no confirmed cases of coronavirus on board, the Westerdam was refused port by four other Asian countries before being allowed to dock in Cambodia.
Tang Chhin Sothy/AFP/Getty Images
A worker has his temperature checked on a shuttered commercial street in Beijing on February 12.
A worker has his temperature checked on a shuttered commercial street in Beijing on February 12.
Kevin Frayer/Getty Images
Beds are made in the Wuhan Sports Center, which has been converted into a temporary hospital.
Beds are made in the Wuhan Sports Center, which has been converted into a temporary hospital.
China Nouvelle/SIPA/Shutterstock
A child rides a scooter past a police officer wearing protective gear outside the Hong Mei House in Hong Kong on February 11. More than 100 people evacuated the housing block after four residents in two different apartments tested positive for the coronavirus.
A child rides a scooter past a police officer wearing protective gear outside the Hong Mei House in Hong Kong on February 11. More than 100 people evacuated the housing block after four residents in two different apartments tested positive for the coronavirus.
Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images
Relatives of quarantined passengers wave at the Diamond Princess cruise ship as it leaves a port in Yokohama, Japan, to dump wastewater and generate potable water. Dozens of people on the ship <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/10/us/coronavirus-cruise-ship-americans-quarantine/index.html" target="_blank">were infected with coronavirus.</a>
Relatives of quarantined passengers wave at the Diamond Princess cruise ship as it leaves a port in Yokohama, Japan, to dump wastewater and generate potable water. Dozens of people on the ship were infected with coronavirus.
Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images
The Deneway branch of the County Oak Medical Centre is closed amid coronavirus fears in Brighton, England, on February 11. Several locations in and around Brighton were quarantined after <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/11/europe/steve-walsh-uk-coronavirus-patient-intl-gbr/index.html" target="_blank">a man linked to several coronavirus cases in the United Kingdom</a> came into contact with health-care workers and members of the public.
The Deneway branch of the County Oak Medical Centre is closed amid coronavirus fears in Brighton, England, on February 11. Several locations in and around Brighton were quarantined after a man linked to several coronavirus cases in the United Kingdom came into contact with health-care workers and members of the public.
Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images
A police officer, left, wears protective gear as he guards a cordon at the Hong Mei House in Hong Kong on February 11.
A police officer, left, wears protective gear as he guards a cordon at the Hong Mei House in Hong Kong on February 11.
Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images
A worker wears a protective suit as he waits to screen people entering an office building in Beijing on February 10. China's workforce is <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/10/business/china-companies-return-to-work-coronavirus/index.html" target="_blank">slowly coming back to work</a> after the coronavirus outbreak forced many parts of the country to extend the Lunar New Year holiday by more than a week.
A worker wears a protective suit as he waits to screen people entering an office building in Beijing on February 10. China's workforce is slowly coming back to work after the coronavirus outbreak forced many parts of the country to extend the Lunar New Year holiday by more than a week.
Kevin Frayer/Getty Images
Chinese President Xi Jinping has his temperature checked during an appearance in Beijing on February 10.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has his temperature checked during an appearance in Beijing on February 10.
Pang Xinglei/Xinhua/AP
Photojournalists wearing face masks take photos of a bus carrying passengers after they disembarked from the World Dream cruise ship in Hong Kong on February 9. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/05/asia/coronavirus-cruise-quarantines-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">More than 5,300 people were quarantined on two cruise ships</a> off Hong Kong and Japan.
Photojournalists wearing face masks take photos of a bus carrying passengers after they disembarked from the World Dream cruise ship in Hong Kong on February 9. More than 5,300 people were quarantined on two cruise ships off Hong Kong and Japan.
Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images
People participating in a Lunar New Year Parade in New York City hold signs reading, "Wuhan stay strong!" on February 9.
People participating in a Lunar New Year Parade in New York City hold signs reading, "Wuhan stay strong!" on February 9.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
A shopper walks past empty shelves at a grocery store in Hong Kong on February 9. China's Ministry of Commerce <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/06/asia/wuhan-coronavirus-update-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">encouraged supermarkets and grocery stores</a> to resume operations as the country's voluntary or mandatory quarantines began to take an economic toll.
A shopper walks past empty shelves at a grocery store in Hong Kong on February 9. China's Ministry of Commerce encouraged supermarkets and grocery stores to resume operations as the country's voluntary or mandatory quarantines began to take an economic toll.
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
A worker wearing a protective suit uses a machine to disinfect a business establishment in Shanghai, China, on February 9.
A worker wearing a protective suit uses a machine to disinfect a business establishment in Shanghai, China, on February 9.
Noel Celis/AFP/Getty Images
Workers in protective gear walk near the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Yokohama on February 7.
Workers in protective gear walk near the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Yokohama on February 7.
Toru Hanai/Bloomberg/Getty Images
People in Hong Kong attend a vigil February 7 for <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/07/asia/china-doctor-death-censorship-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">whistleblower doctor Li Wenliang. </a>Li, 34, died in Wuhan after contracting the virus while treating a patient.
People in Hong Kong attend a vigil February 7 for whistleblower doctor Li Wenliang. Li, 34, died in Wuhan after contracting the virus while treating a patient.
Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images
A woman grieves while paying tribute to Li at Li's hospital in Wuhan on February 7.
A woman grieves while paying tribute to Li at Li's hospital in Wuhan on February 7.
Stringer/Getty Images
The Anthem of the Seas cruise ship is seen docked at the Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, New Jersey, on February 7. Passengers were to be screened for coronavirus as a precaution, an official with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told CNN.
The Anthem of the Seas cruise ship is seen docked at the Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, New Jersey, on February 7. Passengers were to be screened for coronavirus as a precaution, an official with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told CNN.
Kevin Hagen/AP
A light installation is displayed by striking members of the Hospital Authority Employees Alliance and other activists at the Hospital Authority building in Hong Kong on February 7.
A light installation is displayed by striking members of the Hospital Authority Employees Alliance and other activists at the Hospital Authority building in Hong Kong on February 7.
Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images
Passengers are seen on the deck of the Diamond Princess cruise ship, docked at the Yokohama Port on February 7.
Passengers are seen on the deck of the Diamond Princess cruise ship, docked at the Yokohama Port on February 7.
Sadayuki Goto/Kyodo News/AP