"On March 2, 125 new cases of confirmed infections, 129 new cases of suspected infections, and 31 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours. 2,742 patients were released from hospital after being cured. 7,650 people who had had close contact with infected patients were freed from medical observation. Serious cases decreased by 304," the NHC said.

NHC stated that in all 47,204 patients had been cured and discharged from hospital.

There still remained 30,004 confirmed cases including 6,806 in serious condition and 587 suspected cases. So far, 664,899 people have been identified as having had close contact with infected patients. 40,651 are now under medical observation.

The coronavirus COVID-19 is affecting 77 countries and territories around the world. The outbreak has claimed 127 lives with a total of 8739 cases outside China. (ILKHA)