China reports 22 new coronavirus deaths, Xi makes first visit to epicentre Wuhan

China has reported 22 new coronavirus deaths, taking death toll to 3,158, health officials said on Wednesday, as Chinese President Xi Jinping me his first visit to worst-hit Wuhan city and lauded authorities and medical staff for "turning tide" against dely epidemic, saying that initial success has been me in stabilising situation.

Twenty-four new confirmed cases of vel coronavirus and 22 deaths have been reported on Chinese mainland on Tuesday, China's National Health Commission (NHC) said on Wednesday.

All 22 deaths were in Hubei Province and its capital Wuhan, NHC said.

overall confirmed cases on mainland reached 80,778 by end of Tuesday, including 3,158 people who died of disease in last three months, 16,145 patients undergoing treatment and 61,475 discharged after recovery, it said.

Meanwhile, 31 new suspected cases were reported taking total number to 285, it said.

With COVID-19 grually abating in country, China has w turned its attention to growing number of “imported cases” as more foreigners and locals started arriving in Beijing and different cities to join duties.

Also on Tuesday, 10 imported cases of vel coronavirus infection were reported on mainland. Among m, six were reported in Beijing, two in Shanghai, one in Shandong Province and one in Gansu Province.

By end of Tuesday, 79 imported cases h been reported, officials said.

Xi, 66, on Tuesday me his first visit to Wuhan, epicentre of virus, which along with entire Hubei province with over 50 million people was kept under total lockdown since January 23, banning all movement of transportation.

president visited a hospital treating severely ill COVID-19 patients and a residential community.

RE | 14 More Coronavirus Cases In Kerala, Karnataka, Pune; 58 Indians Brought Back From Iran

He visited patients, medics, community residents and workers, police officers, military personnel, officials and volunteers who have been fighting vel coronavirus.

Wearing a protective mask and accompanied by a retinue of military and health officials, Xi visited a makeshift hospital and community residents and frontline workers in Wuhan.

Xi, who initially came under criticism for t acting in time to stem virus when it emerged in December last year but later won praise for a decisive follow-up action, vowed to resolutely fight for a victory in war against virus, state-run Xinhua news ncy reported.

Xi said spre of coronavirus h been curbed in Hubei Province and its capital Wuhan where over 50 million people lived in total isolation since January 23 following a complete lockdown of areas.

initial success has been me in stabilising situation and turning tide in Hubei and Wuhan, Xi said.

Meeting medic representatives in hospital, Xi said spre of virus has been basically curbed in Hubei and Wuhan, and attributed achievement to efforts of whole country and whole society.

"But you are biggest heroes," Xi told medics. This is second visit by a top Chinese leer to Wuhan.

RE | J&K: 41 Locals Who Return From Iran, China Quarantined, Test Negative

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang visited Wuhan on January 26 when COVID-19 virus spre at an alarming pace, prompting a lockdown of city and Central Hubei province with 50 million people.

Xi called for firm and meticulous prevention and control efforts to defend Hubei and Wuhan.

He said situation in province has shown positive changes with important progress, but task of prevention and control remains arduous.

He stressed on taking epidemic prevention and control as a task of paramount importance.

Praising people of Wuhan, Xi said positive trend in epidemic control could t have been achieved without ir sacrifice, devotion and perseverance.

With ir concrete actions, people of Wuhan have demonstrated strength and spirit of China, as well as Chinese people's love for ir family and nation, which enables m to stick toger through thick and thin, he said.

On behalf of ruling Communist Party of China (CPC), he condoled death of people and medical staff who sacrificed ir lives fighting on frontline.

Over 3,000 medical staff were reportedly infected with 10 fatalities.

frontline medical workers have taken on most arduous missions, Xi said, calling m " most mirable people in new era" who deserve highest commendations.

Xi talked with patients in hospital through a video link, and expressed his wishes for ir quick recovery.

"All prevention and control measures taken by CPC Central Committee against virus are to prevent more people from being infected and save more patients' lives," Xi said.

Coinciding with his visit, Chinese officials anunced that 14 makeshift hospitals have been dismantled in Wuhan as cases have dramatically dropped. 

RE | Coronavirus Scare: 3 Schools In Sinhg Area To Remain Closed

RE | China Records Ar New Low In Virus Cases