A total of 56 new confirmed cases were reported on Tuesday outside Hubei, a 15th consecutive day drop since Feb. 3.

China has stepped up efforts to shore up weak spots in the fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak as the epidemic prevention and control have entered the most crucial stage.

Heads of more than 160 countries and international organizations have shown their support through telegrams or letters, while the governments and peoples of many countries have donated much-needed supplies, said Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday.

Foreign-funded enterprises in China have largely resumed operations after the prolonged Spring Festival holidays overshadowed by the novel coronavirus epidemic. The companies also are benefiting from policies bolstering businesses to help shore up confidence in the world's second-largest economy.

On the afternoon of 17 February, the State Council inter-agency task force on responding to the novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP, or COVID-19) outbreak held a press briefing on the latest progress in medical treatment of NCP cases.