The National Health Commission confirmed two cases of the new pneumonia in Liaoning province on Jan 22.

The two patients, from Dalian and Shenyang, have been hospitalized for isolated treatment and are currently in stable condition.

The 87 people they closely contacted are all under medical observation.

The province's government attaches great importance to the prevention and control of the new pneumonia. Authorities quickly launched a joint defense and control mechanism. All medical institutions above second level in Liaoning are required to set up fever clinics, strengthen pre-examination and triage work and standardize the monitoring, screening, diagnosis, treatment and disposal of suspicious cases.