File photo: Xinhua

GUANGZHOU, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- Renowned Chinese respiratory specialist Zhong Nanshan said he is confident that the novel coronavirus outbreak would be basically under control by the end of April.

Zhong made the remarks at a press conference in Guangzhou on Thursday.

"With the strong measures taken by the central government and the joint efforts made by medics across the country, we're confident that the epidemic will be basically under control by the end of April," said Zhong, in south China's Guangdong Province.