China reports 28 virus deaths, rise in new cases outside epicentre

China on Saturday reported 28 new deaths from coronavirus outbreak, bringing nationwide toll to 3,070.

re were 99 fresh cases of infection, according to National Health Commission, with a rise in new cases outside virus epicentre of Hubei province for a third consecutive day.

re were 25 new cases reported outside central province, which remains under lockdown in a bid to control spre of virus.

New infections reported from Hubei have been on a downward trend for several weeks and at 74, number of new cases is lowest since quarantine measures were placed on province in late January.

But health officials also reported 24 confirmed imported cases -- fuelling fears in China that infections could swell again as people get infected overseas.

number of coronavirus cases worldwide surged past 100,000 on Friday, as a wave of countries reported ir first cases.