Chongqing reported 24 new confirmed cases of pneumonia caused by the coronavirus from 12:00 to 24:00 on Jan 30, according to a statement by the Chongqing Municipal Health Commission.

As of 24:00 on Jan 30, Chongqing had reported a total of 206 confirmed cases of coronavirus pneumonia, including 18 in severe condition and four in critical condition, Chongqing officials said.

The local government has traced 4,125 close contacts, the commission said, adding that there are currently 3,418 people still undergoing medical observations in Chongqing.

Experts believe the epidemic is now moving into a more complicated and critical stage. With the intensified search for suspected patients ongoing, the imported cases in the city will continue to climb up in the next few days, they added.

In addition, with the progress of the epidemic, the number of second-generation cases caused by close contact with infected patients may also see certain growth.

From January 28, the medical treatment team from the epidemic prevention and control group in Chongqing actively organized the transfer of diagnosed patients from all districts and counties to the city's four designated hospitals.

The team has implemented a series of measures to ensure the smooth progress of the transfer.

It has improved a centralized transfer system in accordance with the requirements of the National Health Commission, further clarifying measures such as safety guarantees for patients and protection requirements for medical staff.

A detailed work plan for transferring patients has been formulated based on various factors. Meanwhile, resources such as medicine, medical equipment and protective supplies are all being dispatched by the government to ensure that patients are transferred in an orderly manner.

The city has sent 70 city-level experts to consult critically ill patients in various districts and counties and has put in place a centralized transfer management mechanism.