Reports indicate that China has begun the process of relaxing its extensive social distancing measures as the Coronavirus outbreak shows signs of slowing, lifting barriers and checkpoints.

The news follows claims that no new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Hubei province since the outbreak first began in January, possibly marking a significant step in the fight against the disease.

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As per a report in the Guardian, officials in Hubei’s capital Wuhan took the dramatic step of loosening what many have described as “draconian” but effective protective policies. According to the media, residents deemed “virus-free” are now permitted to conduct “personal activities” in staggered groups.

The new approach goes even further, stating that if an area has been free from infection for at least seven days that residents are permitted to venture out, as long as they do not gather together in groups.

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Despite being at the epicenter of the original outbreak, official statistics suggest that China has been able to wrestle back some measure of control from the virus. According to data published by John Hopkins CSSE, infection rates in Hubei have plateaued dramatically since the start of March, holding steady at around 67,000 cases.

Watch As Chinese Grandmother, 103, Recovers From Coronavirus In Just Six Days, According To Doctors:

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On Thursday, China’s National Health Commission dramatically revealed that there had been no new domestic transmissions of the illness for the first time. Though there had been a further 34 documented cases, all the evidence suggests that these resulted from recent arrivals overseas, suggesting that the government’s policy is proving effective.

Although reports from China provide some hope for countries still fighting against the virus, it’s clear that the battle is very much ongoing. Not only are cases in Europe and America on the increase, but there are also fears that a second wave of infections in Asia could be triggered by those returning from overseas.

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Even with the positive news from Hubei, the National Health Commission still reported a further eight deaths, taking the country’s total to 3,245. Out of a little over 81,000 cases in China, around 7,263 remain ill. While the prospect of increased personal freedoms is clearly welcome, it’s equally clear that there is still a long way to go.

Wuhan begins relaxing social distancing measures as COVID-19 outbreak slows