China reports no new coronavirus deaths for the first time

China reported no new deaths from the novel coronavirus today (Tuesday) for the first time since authorities began publishing figures in January.

The number of coronavirus death and infections has been dwindling since March, but the country faces a second wave of infections brought in from abroad, with health authorities reported almost 1,000 imported cases in total.

The Health Commission of China said that there were 32 new confirmed cases nationwide, down from 39 on Monday. All of the confirmed cases on Tuesday had arrived from overseas.

Health officials further informed that there were also 30 new asymptomatic infections, bringing the national total to 1,033. All of these cases were also imported from abroad.

China closed its borders to foreigners as the virus spread globally, although most imported cases have involved Chinese nationals returning from overseas. International flights have been reduced with both Chinese and foreign airlines are only allowed to operate one international flight a week.

So far, Mainland China has recorded 81,740 coronavirus infections and a total of 3,331 deaths from the disease.

The Chinese city of Wuhan – where the virus first emerged – is set to allow people to leave the city for the first time on Wednesday since the lockdown began in January.