As coronavirus spreads, anxiety rises in China and overseas

(AP) Face masks are selling out and temperature checks at airports are the new norm as China tries to control the outbreak of a new coronavirus that has reached four other countries and territories and threatens to spread further during the Lunar New Year travel rush.

Anxiety is growing both at home and abroad after a Chinese government expert confirmed fears that the virus can spread from human to human. Six people have died and 291 have been infected in China.

The stock prices of some companies that sell masks have risen, but markets fell in much of Asia as investors worried about the potential impact on tourism and the economy.