The fast response to the novel coronavirus has given authorities a chance to shut down the disease before it gets out of control, the head of the World Health Organization's (WHO) emergency committee has said.

Speaking at a press conference, Michael Ryan, executive director of the WHO's Heath Emergencies Program, noted that most cases around the world could still be linked back to Wuhan city, the source of the outbreak.

The identification of the new disease was the fastest ever, said Ryan, and quick sharing of information has meant laboratories around the world can work together to understand the virus and find ways to fight it.

Praising the role of Beijing, he cited the example of a worker from a car-parts manufacturer who was diagnosed with the illness after returning from a trip to Germany. Because the German authorities were quickly informed, locally infected colleagues were quickly identified before they spread the virus further. 

"We still have an opportunity to stop this virus," Ryan said.

Remember to sign up to Global Business Daily here to get our top headlines direct to your inbox every weekday