"My colleagues at the WHO and I would like to know the latest developments and strengthen our co-operation with China by providing further protection to deal with this outbreak," Gebregieses said in a Twitter post.
The WHO also announced that the publishers of major scientific journals had agreed to share with the Agency any work that would be submitted to them for the new coronavirus, before being published with the consent of their authors.
The mayor of Wuhan, China, where the coronavirus epidemic, which has killed 56 people and infected more than 2.000 (nationwide), began today, said he expected another 1.000 new cases in the city, based on of patients who are hospitalized and have not yet undergone examinations, while noting the enormous pressure on the infrastructure of the capital of Hubei province.
During a press conference, Zhu Xiangwang explained that the city's hospitals have admitted more than 2.200 patients, who have not yet been able to undergo tests to confirm the new coronavirus.
Based on a percentage of about 45% of positive results, "it is possible that 1000 cases will be added to the number of patients already being treated," he noted, as broadcast by the state television network.
Wuhan local government will step up construction of special hospitals to manage patients, the city mayor also said.
The pressure for supplies of medical equipment such as special protective suits, masks and goggles has eased, he explained, thanks in part to donations from individuals.
Wuhan, with a population of 11 million, has been placed in virtual quarantine as Chinese authorities intensify efforts to contain the epidemic.
Pictures of hospital corridors flooding patients have been circulated on Chinese social media and residents are protesting against rising prices for products such as vegetables.
Meanwhile, the Center for Science and Engineering Systems (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University has created a map that updates its case data based on information released by the World Health Organization and other relevant bodies.
According to the map, the vast majority of cases are in Chinese territory.
Pressing here you can see live the record of cases around the world and the evolution of patients' health.