The Botswana government has urged its nationals in China to stay calm and follow safety precautions laid out by the Chinese authorities in the wake of the deadly coronavirus.

China has detected at least 1,370 coronavirus cases with another 28 cases confirmed abroad. The death toll from the respiratory illness has risen to 41.

"The Embassy wishes to encourage the Batswana community in Wuhan and other Provinces that even in these trying of circumstances, to stay calm and adhere to the safety precautions and measures provided by the Chinese Government and avoid any risk of infection," the Botswana government said on Saturday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for concerted efforts to control and prevent new cases, saying this was the most important task for the country at this stage.

The Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on Saturday held a meeting on the prevention and control of the outbreak of pneumonia caused by the new coronavirus.

The standing committee said it would set up a high-level working group to oversee the work.

In its statement on Saturday, the Botswana government said it was in contact with Chinese authorities who have given assurances of their support to all international students and other nationals who are affected by the lockdown put in place in Wuhang.