(Yicai Global) Jan. 27 -- Shanghai has confirmed 53 pneumonia cases caused by the novel coronavirus in the city, per the latest information its government has issued.

Of these patients, 49 are in stable condition, one has died, two are critically ill, and one has recovered and left hospital, according to the statement released today.

The fatality was an 88-year-old man who succumbed to the failure of multiple organs. Another 95 suspected cases are under observation, Wu Jinglei, director of the Shanghai Health Commission, said at a press conference yesterday.

To prevent further outbreaks, those who have visited virus hotspots have been quarantined either at home or in designated hotels for 14 days in the eastern city home to over 24 million residents, though they have shown no symptoms, Wu said.

Most of those cloistered are healthy, while strict disinfection measures are being carried out, said Wu Fan, director of Shanghai Preventive Medicine Association.

About 4 million masks were distributed to local pharmacies between Jan. 22 and 26, with more to come as local factories increase production, according to Liu Min, deputy director of the local commerce commission.

Shanghai suspended all interprovincial long-distance buses from Jan. 25 in its latest effort to stop the further spread of the contagion.

Editor: Ben Armour