Severe or even critical patients infected with the novel coronavirus will be able to recover under positive medical treatment, according to Wang Guiqiang, member of the Society of Infectious Diseases under the Chinese Medical Association.

Based on a small sample study, about 6 percent of patients that had been discharged in Wuhan, Hubei province, center of the epidemic , used to have serious symptoms, and less than 1 percent of the total used to be in critical condition, he said Friday at a news conference.

The numbers have "greatly boosted our confidence", he said.

According to the National Health Commission, a total of 11,618 confirmed cases were reported in Wuhan, with 478 people discharged from hospital as of Thursday at midnight.

With more medical forces across the country, especially ICU teams, assisting Wuhan, fatalities are expected to see a sharp decrease, he added.