China reports 44 new virus deaths, lowest rise in new cases in over a month

China reported 44 more deaths from vel coronavirus epidemic on Friday and 327 fresh cases, lowest daily figure for new infections in more than a month.

death toll w stands at 2,788 in mainland China, according to National Health Commission.

number of fatalities -- which is up from 29 reported on Thursday -- were all in Hubei province, epicentre of outbreak, except for two deaths in Beijing.

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In total, 78,824 people have w been infected with COVID-19 strain in mainland. Friday's figure was lowest rise in new cases since January 24, when 259 new infections were reported.

general decline in new infections in China comes as infections in or countries gar pace, with World Health Organisation warning that coronavirus epidemic was at a "decisive point".

Even China is w worried about importing cases and has ordered people arriving in Beijing from affected countries to go into a 14-day self-quarantine. 

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