The novel coronavirus pneumonia epidemic has been brought under control in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, with the incidence rate in the city being just 0.78 per 100,000 people, according to a report delivered at a briefing on epidemic prevention and control efforts on Feb 11.

Mao Genhong, deputy secretary-general of the Hangzhou government, along with representatives from the Hangzhou health commission, the Hangzhou bureau of planning and natural resources, Hangzhou Water Group, and Hangzhou Gas Group, attended the briefing.

According to the report, on Feb 12, the number of confirmed novel coronavirus pneumonia cases increased by three, while 12 additional people recovered. There was no increase in the number of severe cases.

As of Feb 12, the number of confirmed novel coronavirus pneumonia cases in the city stood at 162, while 63 had successfully recovered.

All infected are currently receiving medical treatment and in quarantine, and 15 people are currently in critical condition.

Over the past week, the daily number of new cases has remained in the single digits.

“It is believed that the number of new pneumonia cases will continue to decline, as the incidence rate in the city is just 0.78/100,000, and anyone suspected of being infected is immediately quarantined,” said Mao at the briefing.

He went on to say that the epidemic has been brought under control in Hangzhou and the city is generally safe.

In light of this positive development, Hangzhou announced that companies in the city could resume production on Feb 10, Mao said.

The deputy secretary-general said that Hangzhou will implement more targeted measures to prevent and control infection while ensuring that companies can resume production in an orderly manner during the travel rush after an extended Spring Festival vacation.

The city also launched a health QR code system on Feb 11. Residents and those entering the city must apply online for either a green, red, or yellow code. The colors are based on health information provided by applicants.

Those who plan to enter Hangzhou must obtain a green code, and only those with green codes may travel around the city. Those with red or yellow codes must first undergo seven to 14 days of quarantine.

The province has also begun to assess the risk of novel coronavirus infection in all its counties and districts, and has unveiled a list of regions at various risk levels.

During the outbreak, both Hangzhou Water Group and Hangzhou Gas Group have launched a platform for Hangzhou residents to handle water and gas-related affairs on the internet.

The Hangzhou bureau of planning and natural resources also launched measures to help companies deal with approval procedures and resume production.

A man shows his health QR code to a volunteer in Hangzhou. [Photo/zj.zjol.com.cn]