The Lunar New Year is one of the most important dates in the calendar in China, where millions of people travel home – something that is a problem for preventing the spread of a virus.

Authorities have shut major tourist sites including the Forbidden City in Beijing and a section of the Great Wall, and cancelled major public events in other parts of the country, including:

• Traditional temple fairs in Beijing
• An international carnival in Hong Kong
• Hong Kong’s annual football tournament
• All public Lunar New Year celebrations in Macau

Shanghai’s Disney Resort is temporarily closing.

In the capital, Beijing, and also in Shanghai, officials have asked residents who return from affected areas to stay at home for 14 days to prevent the spread of the virus, local media report.