Jersey's government has issued its own advice on the coronavirus.

A new page has been set up on gov.je saying what to do to avoid the illness spreading, and which countries have confirmed cases.

The Health Department says the virus can be prevented from spreading by:

• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick and have travelled to an area affected by the 2019-nCoV
• Avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Washing their hands frequently with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser
• Covering their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using tissues only once and disposing of them promptly and carefully
• Keeping horizontal surfaces and touchpoints (like light switches) clean with normal cleaning products like detergent and water

Dr Ivan Muscat, a Consultant in Communicable Disease, says it's 'a rapidly evolving situation' with weekly meetings set up to monitor it:

"Transmission of the virus across China is increasing as it has outside of China, and there may be undiagnosed cases in the UK, so it would be a prudent precaution for Islanders to take the simple measures outlined below to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. These, of course, include hand and respiratory hygiene.

"The cross-Government review group met this morning and will continue to do so on a weekly basis to determine if any further steps need to be undertaken. In the meantime, we want to reassure islanders that we will continue to update them as the situation develops."

No cases of the coronavirus have been reported so far in the UK or the Channel Islands so far. Four people in France have been infected, after flying to the country from China.

Islanders who are seriously ill should phone 999, advise the ambulance service of their symptoms and their travel history. Anyone who thinks they may have the virus is asked to stay at home in isolation for two weeks rather than going to the hospital or their GP unannounced.