WUHAN — Wuhan, capital of Central China's Hubei province, has suspended immigration administration services as part of the prevention and control measures of the novel coronavirus epidemic, local authorities said on Feb 3.

On Jan 27, Wuhan suspended the issuance of Chinese passports and exit-entry permits to those from Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions as well as Taiwan, the public security bureau of Wuhan said.

All the self-service terminals for exit-entry permits to Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan were also closed across the city, the bureau added.

Hubei, the center of the novel coronavirus epidemic, has stepped up measures to contain the spread of the virus. By Feb 2, Hubei reported 11,177 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection, with 350 deaths and 1,701 cases in severe or critical condition.