Xi visits hospital as virus deaths top 1,000

China's President Xi Jinping visited a frontline hospital in Beijing, calling for more decisive measures to contain the novel coronavirus outbreak, as the death toll surpassed 1,000.

The virus has infected over 42,000 people across 25 countries, with Hubei province reporting its highest single-day death toll.

In an unprecedented move, Chinese authorities have implemented city-wide lockdowns and nationwide transport restrictions, turning cities into ghost towns.

Despite some signs of returning normalcy as people went back to work, many expressed unease and took precautions.

Two senior officials in Hubei province were dismissed following criticism over the handling of the outbreak.

The death of a whistleblowing doctor in Wuhan has also sparked calls for political reform in China.

President Xi Jinping has expressed concerns that the containment measures are negatively impacting the Chinese economy.

To mitigate economic damage, China's central bank has pledged increased support, and authorities are urging key industries to resume operations.