Manila city officials will distribute at least 100,000 protective masks to residents amid growing fears of coronavirus spreading throughout the country, the city's public information office said Thursday, acting on Mayor Isko Moreno's directive.

An outbreak of a new coronavirus that began in the central Chinese city of Wuhan has killed 17 and infected nearly 600 people globally.

Hong Kong authorities earlier said the family of a Chinese man who tested positive for the deadly novel coronavirus strain traveled to Manila on Wednesday.

Hong Kong Health Minister Sophia Chan confirmed that the patient’s four family members flew from Hong Kong to Manila via Cebu Pacific 5J111, which landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 1:20 p.m.

The man remained in Hong Kong.

• Family of Chinese man with new coronavirus flew to Manila - HK health minister

The immigration bureau, meanwhile, has tracked down the Chinese nationals, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said earlier Thursday.

• 4 Chinese nationals exposed to new coronavirus before Manila arrival found: DOJ

The tourists traveled from Wuhan.

• What we know so far about the new China virus
• Nearly 600 infected with novel coronavirus; China locks down outbreak epicenter