China reports decline in cases of new coronary

China's National Health Commission reported 628 new cases in the central province of Hubei, considered the virus's epidera, and 45 cases in other regions, on February 20th.

The figures indicated the lowest number of new cases, for nearly a month, including in the province of Hubei.

Meanwhile, China said the total number of deaths reached 2,188.

More than 74,000 people have been infected in China and hundreds of others in nearly 30 countries.

Iran reported two deaths, marking the first deaths in the Middle East.

In Japan, two men who had been aboard the quarantined ship are dead.

Two other Russian nationals on the ship have been diagnosed with coronarys, bringing in the three total number of Russians who have been infected, Russia's embassy in Japan said on February 20th.

Richard Brenan, regional director of the World Health Organization, said China was making excellent progress within a short period of time”, but added that the crisis was not yet coming to an end.

“Tendens are very encouraging, but we are not yet at a turning point”, said Brenan a press conference in Cairo.

Chinese authorities have isolated cities of more than 60 million people and have stopped transportation.

Other countries have established strict entry conditions for Chinese citizens and persons who have recently visited China, which has angered Beijing.