CHINA'S coronavirus death toll rose by 97 early on Monday to 908, and new confirmed cases saw a 15% increase from Saturday, breaking a string of daily declines.
With the number of confirmed cases on the country's mainland increasing to 40,171, the increases have dented optimism that disease control measures including the isolation of major cities might be effectively battling the outbreak.
Some 3062 new virus cases were reported over the 24 hours until midnight local time on Sunday.
In Japan, 65 more people on a quarantined cruise ship have tested positive for coronavirus, Japan's health minister said on Monday.
READ MORE: Four more cases of coronavirus confirmed in England as new measures announced
There are now 136 confirmed cases on the Diamond Princess, quarantined in the port of Yokohama, near Tokyo, with officials previously saying 70 people had the virus among the 3711 passengers and crew.
Health minister Katsunobu Kato said the Japanese government was considering testing all passengers and crew on the ship, which would require them to remain on board until results are available.
"We are doing the utmost to keep everyone in good health," he said.
In Hong Kong authorities reported seven more cases, raising its total to 36, while Malaysia reported its 18th case.
More than 360 cases have been confirmed outside mainland China.
The fatality toll has passed the 774 people believed to have died of SARS, another viral outbreak that originated in China.
And the total confirmed cases of the new virus vastly exceed the 8098 sickened by SARS.
Asian stock markets slid on Monday following warnings that investor optimism about the disease and its economic impact coming under control might be premature.
Chinese businesses are reeling from anti-disease measures that have closed shops, restaurants and factories and disrupted travel.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here