The death toll from China's new coronavirus epidemic jumped past 2,000 on Wednesday after 136 more people died, with the number of new cases falling for a second straight day, according to the National Health Commission.
This brings the total number of confirmed cases in mainland China to 74,185.
The death toll rose to 2,004, with most of the deaths in central Hubei province, where the virus first emerged in December before spiralling into a nationwide epidemic.
In its daily update, the National Health Commission reported 1,749 new cases of people infected with the virus nationwide, the lowest number of new cases this month.
The new infections were overwhelmingly in Hubei.
Outside the epicentre, there were only 56 new cases reported, falling for the 15th day in a row.
A study released by Chinese officials said most patients have mild cases of the illness, and health officials have described the slowing numbers as an indication that the outbreak is under control.
President Xi Jinping, in a phone call with the British prime minister, said China's measures were achieving "visible progress", according to state media Tuesday.
However, the World Health Organization has cautioned that it is too early to tell if the decline will continue.
What April full pink moon means for your zodiac signs?
Donald Trump to appear before court today in hush money trial
South Dakota governor questions timing of the hush money case against Republican candidate
The Republican candidate will appear before court on Monday in the hush money trial
California Highway Patrol is leading the investigation to find out what caused the crash
Ivanka Trump enjoys vacations as father goes to court