Saturday is the first day of the Chinese New Year. But on what's usually a day filled with fun activities and events around the country, many city authorities are asking residents to stay home where possible.

Twenty-one Chinese provinces and municipalities have activated their highest alert responses to the outbreak. They say they are also willing to give the city of Wuhan – the epicenter of the epidemic – as much help as possible.

Praying at the Lama Temple in Beijing on the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year has been a long tradition for many. But this year, the temple has been closed. It's part of efforts to control the spread of the new coronavirus in the capital. Museums and other traditional celebrations, including temple fairs and cultural performances, have been canceled.

Since Thursday, more and more provinces and municipalities, including Beijing, have announced the activation of the highest-level health alert. The level-one response, the highest of four levels, requires provincial coordination under direct instruction from the State Council.

"Prevention and control teams are formed by the municipal and district governments. Three city-level medical treatment hospitals are also assigned to help. Intensive training is provided for the medical staff and a medical treatment has been adopted. We are using a combination of Chinese and Western treatment methods for the patients," said Director of the Beijing Municipal Health Commission Lei Haichao. 

"We have published a list of 101 medical institutions with departments for high fever, as well as a guide for patients with fever in order to reduce cross infection,"  Lei said.

At least 16 cities in the worst-hit province of Hubei have suspended public transportation, including local buses, subways, ferries and long-distance coaches.

The National Health Commission has deployed six medical teams to support Wuhan, including more than 1, 200 personnel, many of whom have experience fighting SARS and Ebola.

China's Finance Ministry has allocated a total of 1 billion yuan or around 145 million US dollars to support Hubei. The government is also increasing supplies of masks, food and other daily necessities for the provincial capital, Wuhan. China's Red Cross is also receiving donations. To reduce mobility during the Spring Festival travel rush, people are advised to stay where they are for now.

The health authority says it's dealing with the epidemic in accordance with the law.

"We will continue to focus on Wuhan and strengthen the implementation of various prevention and control measures," China's National Health Commission Vice Minister Li Bin said at a press conference on Wednesday. "At the same time, we will further strengthen nationwide prevention and control work, strictly implement prevention and control measures during the Chinese New Year travel rush, strengthen the epidemic monitoring report, and release information in a timely manner."

"We will continue scientific research in epidemic prevention and control work, and further enhance international exchange and cooperation,"  the vice minister added. 

The central government is asking the public to report instances of anybody hiding information or anybody failing to perform their duties in controlling the epidemic. The State Council said it will investigate the reports and punish the offenders in accordance with the law.