Chinese officials reported 1,886 new cases — the first time the daily figure has fallen below 2,000 since January 30 — bringing the mainland China total to 72,436
China reported on Tuesday its fewest new coronavirus infections since January and its lowest daily death toll for a week, but the World Health Organization (WHO) said data suggesting the epidemic had slowed should still be viewed with caution.
Apple Inc warned that its sales would suffer as the epidemic hurt its supply in China and its demand both, an announcement that knocked the wind out of global stock markets.
The head of a leading hospital in China's central city of Wuhan, epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak, died of the disease on Tuesday, becoming one of the most prominent victims since the disease first appeared at the end of last year.
Chinese officials reported 1,886 new cases — the first time the daily figure has fallen below 2,000 since January 30 — bringing the mainland China total to 72,436.
A figure of 98 new deaths also marked the first time the daily toll in China had fallen below 100 since February 11, bringing the total to 1,868.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Chinese data "appears to show a decline in new cases," but any apparent trend "must be interpreted very cautiously."
Outside China, there have been 827 cases of the disease, known as COVID-19, and five deaths, according to a Reuters count based on official statements. More than half of those cases have been on a cruise ship quarantined off Japan.
