The number of new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in China, excluding Hubei Province, has dropped for 16 consecutive days starting February 3, according to the National Health Commission's latest figures on Thursday.

There were 615 new confirmed cases reported in Wuhan and 349 in the province.

In response to the data, the National Health Commission has canceled the category of clinically diagnosed cases unique to Hubei Province, leaving only confirmed and suspected cases.

China confirmed 45 new coronavirus cases in 30 provincial-level regions and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps on Wednesday, a significant drop from the 890 cases registered on February 3, and 11 less than on February 18.

The number of newly discharged cases exceeded newly confirmed two days in a row. 

Hubei Province, the epicenter of the new coronavirus outbreak, confirmed 349 new cases on Tuesday, bringing the total number to 62,031 in the province.