MojNews-The U.K. on Monday declared coronavirus -- which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan last December -- “a serious and imminent threat to public health,” according to a statement by the government.

“The Secretary of State declares that the incidence or transmission of novel Coronavirus constitutes a serious and imminent threat to public health ,” the statement said.

It added: “The measures outlined in these regulations are considered as an effective means of delaying or preventing further transmission of the virus.”

The U.K. government also designated Arrowe Park Hospital and Kents Hill Park as “isolation” facilities, and the city of Wuhan and its Hubei province as “infected areas”.

The death toll in China from the novel coronavirus outbreak has risen to 909, the country’s National Health Commission said Sunday.