Medical workers use robots to disinfect Huoshenshan Hospital. WANG HAOYU/XINHUA

On March 31, Chinese authorities said the domestic spread of the virus－with Wuhan the main battlefield－had been "basically blocked" and epidemic control efforts had produced significant results.

On Wednesday, the 76-day lockdown in Wuhan was lifted, with inbound and outbound travel resuming and life gradually returning to normal.

However, people in the city have been warned of a recurrence of the outbreak, as there is a risk of transmission from asymptomatic patients, along with the chance of imported infections.

Wang Chen, president of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, said there is still limited knowledge about the novel coronavirus, so people should never underestimate it or let down their guard.