TAIPEI, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- A COVID-19 cluster at a hospital in Taiwan has risen to ten cases as of Wednesday, rousing public concerns over the epidemic spreading into local communities.

People wearing masks walk on street in Taipei, Southeast China's Taiwan, March 30, 2020. (Photo: Xinhua)

The latest case was the grandmother of a nurse who had tested positive for COVID-19, the local epidemic monitoring agency said at a press briefing Wednesday.

The first patient identified in the cluster was a doctor who had taken care of a COVID-19 patient and was diagnosed with the disease on Jan. 12. As of Wednesday, another doctor, four nurses, three relatives of theirs and a care worker have been diagnosed with the virus.

It has been the most serious challenge Taiwan has faced since the outbreak of COVID-19, the agency said.

The investigation showed that the ten people had been to several markets, department stores, restaurants and diners in northern Taiwan, rousing serious concerns over further spread of the virus.

Several mass gatherings in Taiwan, including traditional celebrations during the upcoming Spring Festival, were canceled.

The island also reported one imported case from Spain on Wednesday.

The total number of COVID-19 cases in Taiwan has hit 870 as of Wednesday. Seven have died, 769 have recovered and 94 remain hospitalized, according to the agency.