N China city bans sale of live poultry to prevent viral pneumonia

Authorities have banned the sale of live poultry and wild animals in Hohhot, capital city of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in response to a heightened alert against a novel coronavirus.

The city began implementing the ban Tuesday in markets of agricultural products, fairs and supermarkets. It urged the public to report to authorities if they find such sales.

The government also asked the public to file reports if they develop symptoms such as fever and coughing.

A total of 444 cases of the new coronavirus-related pneumonia and 17 deaths had been reported in central China's Hubei Province as of 8 p.m. Wednesday.