SHANGHAI/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The
United States ramped up its response to the coronavirus epidemic on Friday, declaring a public health emergency and saying it would halt entry to foreign nationals who had been to
China within the 14-day incubation period.
![U.S. ramps up anti-coronavirus measures at border as impact spreads](https://media.zenfs.com/en-US/reuters.com/8e7d366e8892677358d4d9b7dcf7bfdc)
Originating in the Chinese city of Wuhan, the flu-like virus first identified earlier in January has resulted in 213 deaths in China, according to local health authorities.
Wuhan and the surrounding region of Hubei are in virtual quarantine.