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Russia has closed its border with China over the coronavirus as countries across the globe begin isolating hundreds of citizens evacuated from the Chinese city of Wuhan in an effort to stop the spread of the viral outbreak that has killed at least 170 people, Rferl.org reported.

According to the source, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said at a cabinet meeting on January 30 that the border, the fifth-longest land border in the world, would close immediately.

"The corresponding order was signed today, and it started being implemented. We will properly inform everyone of the measures linked to the closure of the border in the Far East region, as well as other measures by the government [to prevent the spread of the coronavirus]," Mishustin said, adding that there were no cases of coronavirus infection in Russia.

Chinese health authorities have said there were more than 7,700 confirmed cases in the country.