The first US case of COVID-19 was treated at Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett, Washington. Robin Addison, a nurse there, demonstrates how she wears a respirator helmet with a face shield intended to prevent infection. (Photo: AP)

Wahsington (People's Daily) -- The number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases in the US has risen to 53, said the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Monday. The cases include 36 travelers who were on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship, three from Wuhan, China, and 14 domestic cases.

The number indicates an increase in 18 cases since Friday, all among Diamond Princess passengers, CNN reported. US health officials have also warned that cases among the repatriated citizens will likely increase.

The agency said the 14 confirmed new cases include two from Humboldt and Sacramento counties in California.

The Trump administration is considering asking Congress for emergency funding to prepare its response to the fast-spreading coronavirus, White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said on Monday.

On Friday，the CDC said it is working with state and local health departments to prepare public emergency and medical personnel for a possible pandemic that would force school and business closures.