Chinese Premier Li Keqiang called for timely and vigorous efforts in the fight against the new type of coronavirus-related pneumonia, while urging medical workers to ensure self-protection as they are at the frontline.

Premier Li made the remarks on Tuesday when visiting a local hospital in Xining, capital of northwestern China's Qinghai Province.

Noting that Spring Festival is approaching, Li highlighted the importance of risk awareness and said that preventive actions must be taken nationwide, not only including in cities seeing the most cases.

More cases have been reported following the outbreak of the epidemic, Premier Li said, urging timely and vigorous efforts to contain it.

The premier then expressed thanks to the medical workers in the hospital. "Chinese New Year will come in a few days, and many of you will still work on the frontline. Please safeguard the life and health of the people!"

The new coronavirus-related pneumonia was first reported in Wuhan City, central China's Hubei Province in December 2019, where it might originate from a seafood market.

According to official figures, the mysterious virus has killed 17 people, infected over 543 people in China and seven people overseas, as of 8:00 p.m. BJT, Wednesday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping Monday ordered resolute efforts to curb the spread of the new coronavirus and urged governments and departments at all levels to put the health and safety of people in first place.

Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan on Wednesday stressed the compaction responsibility to strictly implement and resolutely curb the spread of the coronavirus when investigating the prevention and control of pneumonia infected by the novel coronavirus in Wuhan. 

The National Health Commission has also set up a special leading group to guide local governments in coping with the epidemic.