Zhang Wenhong, the leader of the Shanghai team of experts in the treatment of the novel coronavirus pneumonia, talks to China Daily journalists in an exclusive interview on Feb 25. [Photo by Gao Erqiang/chinadaily.com.cn]

The global spread of the novel coronavirus could come under control within six months as most infection cases in foreign countries are imported and China has gained experience in coping with the outbreak, a leading Shanghai expert told China Daily in an exclusive interview on Feb 25.

Zhang Wenhong, the leader of the Shanghai team of experts in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, added that other factors include researchers having a better understanding of the disease.

The key to controlling the spread of the virus, said Zhang, lies in prevention measures as well as the scaling back and cancellation of public gatherings in major cities.