China launches probe after whistleblower doctor dies

The death toll in China's new virus outbreak has risen to 636, including a doctor who got in trouble with authorities for sounding an early warning about the disease threat. Li's death triggered massive grief online.

Beijing:China's anti-graft watchdog announced on Friday an investigation after the death of a whistleblower doctor sparked anger over the government's handling of the coronavirus emergency.

The discipline inspection commission said in a statement that an investigative team would go to Wuhan, the virus-hit city where doctor Li Wenliang died, to conduct a comprehensive investigation into issues involving Dr Li Wenliang reported by the masses.

Li had worked at a hospital in the center of the outbreak in the city of Wuhan.

He posted on personal social media last week that he was confirmed infected with the new virus.

The outbreak has now infected over 31,200 people worldwide, triggering travel restrictions and quarantines around the world and a crisis within China itself.

Chinese state media reported Friday that the supervisory body of the central government will send a team to Wuhan to investigate Li's case.

Li's death triggered massive grief online. In Beijing street, residents expressed their condolences.