BEIJING — China's Finance Ministry has allocated a total of 1 billion yuan (about $145 million) to support Hubei province's battle against a deadly novel coronavirus.

This is the latest move in China to control the outbreak of the novel coronavirus-related pneumonia.

Nationwide, a total of 17 people had died of viral pneumonia and 571 cases were confirmed in 25 provincial-level regions by the end of Jan 22. Hubei province alone reported 444 cases.