The first suspected case of coronavirus in New Zealand has tested negative - but the Ministry of Health says it's only a matter of time before the first case arrives on our shores.

As the Ministry confirms a patient suspected of having the virus has been cleared, China's ambassador to New Zealand has given a glowing review of China's response to the deadly illness. 

A number of countries moved swiftly over the weekend to contain the virus, the US announcing it would refuse entry to any foreigners who had travelled to China in the last 14 days.

New Zealand's borders are still open - though the issue was under 'active reconsideration", according to Director General of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield.

"You'll have seen a range of countries overnight, in particular the USA, has put in place much more stringent border measures; we have those measures and our own measures under very active review and will be reconsidering if we need to add in any additional border measures," Bloomfield told reporters.

He signalled further announcements on Sunday, along with further details of a special flight to evacuate New Zealanders from Wuhan.

St John medical personnel are being flown over to assess patients on the flight but it has not yet been revealed how passengers will be dealt with on arrival in New Zealand.

The patient who tested negative was New Zealand's first suspected coronavirus case; Bloomfield said it was good news that they had been cleared but people should remain vigilant and self isolate if they had symptoms, which include cough, fever and difficulty breathing.

Bloomfield recommended if anyone was experiencing these symptoms they should first phone Healthline.

"Our assessment is that it is likely we will get the virus. We are expecting a case. It will be a matter of time," he said.

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"Although this person was not infected with coronavirus, it is extremely encouraging that they came forward and followed exactly the right process.

"The symptoms of coronavirus include cough, fever and difficulty breathing. These of course are similar to a range of respiratory illnesses, including influenza."

He confirmed there are no other suspected cases in New Zealand. But it seemed likely it was only a matter of time.

In the meantime, ambassador Wu Xi said in a statement that China's response to coronavirus had taken "the most comprehensive and rigorous prevention and control measures with a high sense of responsibility for people's health. 

"Many of these measures go well beyond the requirements of the International Health Regulations. 

"Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, the Chinese government and people are making an all-out effort to fight the virus. We are fully confident and capable of winning this battle of epidemic prevention and control." 

Ambassador Xi described the Chinese government's information sharing as "timely, open, transparent and responsible". 

Xi said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of Foreign Affairs of Hubei Province had held two briefings regarding Kiwi citizens in the affected Wuhan area, and "we will continue to work with the NZ government". 

Authorities have confirmed that some people may be asymptomatic, with an incubation period of up to 11 days.

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That means people entering New Zealand from China may be infected even though they are not displaying any symptoms.

But Bloomfield said that did not merit more stringent measures at this stage and said the focus remained on education.

There are reports that face masks are selling out and some outlets have ramped up prices in the wake of the panic buying.

But Bloomfield said face marks should not be relied on to keep people safe and could give them a false sense of security.

Stringent hygiene was the best prevention.

AUSTRALIA STOPPING FOREIGN TRAVELLERS FROM CHINA

Foreign travellers who have left or passed through mainland China will be denied entry to Australia as officials try to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family will be excepted from the strict measures, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced.

"In addition to that, there'll be advanced screening and reception arrangements put into place at the major airports to facilitate identifying and providing this information and ensuring the appropriate precautions are being put in place," Morrison said

Australians are also being told not to travel to mainland China as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases grows.