As of February 19, a total of 29 foreign nationals in China have been confirmed as testing positive for the novel coronavirus disease, among them, 10 cases are in central China's Hubei Province, said Ding Xiangyang, deputy secretary-general of the State Council at a press conference on Thursday. 

Two patients have died and nine are under quarantine, receiving medical treatment, he said, adding that 18 foreign patients have recovered and discharged from hospitals.

In accordance with the law and on the basis of respect for the patients' willingness, the Chinese side has informed the embassies of relevant countries in China, he noted. 

During the press briefing, the guiding group under the central government for the epidemic control work in Hubei Province also expressed deep condolences to the medical workers and patients who died during to the novel coronavirus outbreak.