Gratitude, optimism and persistence are words frequently used by Miss Hu, the first critically ill patient to recover from the novel coronavirus pneumonia, in a telephone interview with local media on Feb 10.

On Jan 23, Hu returned to Quzhou from Wuhan, the epicenter of the national NCP outbreak in China, for the Spring Festival. Two days later, she was diagnosed with the disease.

Speaking about how she felt when she first stepped into the ward, Hu said she was terrified, but the doctors and nurses did their best to console her.

According to Hu, during her 11-day stay, medical experts from provincial and municipal hospitals discussed the best treatment plan for her through remote consultations every day.

"I was always optimistic about my health at the hospital," said Hu, adding that she was very cooperative with all of the doctor's instructions.

Hu noticed her health seemed to be improving, and the symptoms were fading day by day.

She suggested a positive mindset, balanced diet and physical exercise to NCP patients undergoing treatment.

"We must be confident in our doctors and nurses. As long as we follow their instructions, we will be fine," concluded Hu.

As of Feb 10, a total of five confirmed cases had been successfully treated and discharged from Quzhou People's Hospital, including one in Qujiang district, two in Jiangshan county-level city and two in Changshan county.

In addition, the city had reported 21 confirmed cases as of Feb 10, including two in Kecheng district, three in Changshan, six in Jiangshan and 10 in Qujiang.