A leading group of the CPC Central Committee on the prevention and control of the novel coronavirus outbreak held a meeting on Wednesday. The group underscored that the prevention of the novel coronavirus is in full force but the spread of the epidemic has led to increased infection cases in local areas across the country, which means the epidemic situation remains severe.

Passengers wearing masks are seen on Subway Line 5 in Beijing on Jan 28, 2020. (Photo: China Daily)