The Chinese government has established a series of support measures for students of Chinese nationality studying in South Korea - including distributing medical supplies for free - as the country has declared "war" over the 5,000 confirmed cases within its territory.

South Korea has the highest number of cases of the pneumonia-like disease after China. President Moon Jae-in announced on Tuesday all government agencies would be on a 24-hour alert following confirmation of 600 new infections. 

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Local education authorities advised Chinese students enrolled in South Korean schools against returning to campus till the virus is phased out. Currently, there are 70,000 Chinese studying in colleges there as per South Korea's Education Ministry.

"We now offer rides from the airport for Chinese students (in South Korea)," said Chinese Ambassador to the country Xing Haiming. "We are also offering free medical supplies, quarantine rooms as well as meal services (for those who've come back to South Korea)."

According to the official, special consular services are also available, including video meetings, and "fast passes" for new-born babies and elders.