China: 17 New Coronavirus Cases, Shulan Closed As Infections Rise

China reported 17 new virus cases on Monday, its second consecutive double-digit increase.Five of the new cases were reported in Wuhan, where the virus first emerged.

There is growing concern over a cluster of cases in north-eastern Shulan city in Jilin province.

Shulan has been placed under lockdown after a rise in the number of new cases.

The city saw 11 new virus cases in the past day - all linked to an infected laundry woman, said state media.

The 45-year-old patient, who has infected her husband, sisters and some other family members, is said to have had no recent travel history.

All public places across the city have been shut and all residents told to stay at home. Public transport has been suspended and the city classified as high risk - the highest of a three-tier zoning system.

The new infection has set Chinese social media abuzz, with many speculating how the woman got infected. Others, claiming to be from Shulan, said they felt the virus "draws closer and closer each day".

Shulan is in Jilin province, which sits on the border with North Korea, which claims to have no virus cases.