The number of new deaths from the novel coronavirus reported in Wuhan, Hubei province, by Monday reaching the lowest in 10 days can signify a change, said Qiu Haibo, a member on the expert panel of the National Health Commission.

Qiu said in an interview with China Central Television on Tuesday that the number of new infections and new deaths is declining, which means that the measures adopted in the city have gradually taken effect.

He said the critically ill patients were treated intensively. The 10 designated hospitals with 8,000 beds for critical patients had 1,000 empty beds on Tuesday.

Moreover, a large number of national medical teams arrived in Wuhan since the beginning of February, bringing Wuhan's treatment level to a national standard, he said.

"In general, it can be said with caution and optimism that the treatment of critically ill patients has gradually shown its effect through the previous efforts," he said.

He said the declining number is owing to more timely treatment since February when medical resources have become more sufficient. It may also be related to the nature of infectious diseases that the virulence may be decreasing as the disease passes from person to person.

Qiu said as medical resources are becoming more and more sufficient and the country's medical strength is gathered in Wuhan, they are confident that the number of critically ill patients will continue to drop.

He said the treatment has become more standardized and general patients can now receive more timely treatment to prevent them from becoming critically ill. The treatment concept has also changed from treating a single organ to multiple organs.

"A series of progress in treatment and knowledge can help reduce the proportion of severe illness and increase the recovery rate," he said.