The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on Friday held a meeting on the prevention and control of the COVID-19, and the coordination between epidemic control and economic and social development.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, chaired the meeting.

Read more: Latest on the coronavirus outbreak

At present, the spread of the epidemic has been curbed, and the prevention and control work has achieved results. The number of newly diagnosed and suspected cases across the country has shown a general downward trend. The number of recovered patients discharged from hospitals has increased rapidly, especially in the provinces outside Hubei, according to the meeting.

However, the turning point of the COVID-19 outbreak has not come yet and the prevention and control situation in Hubei Province and Wuhan City is still severe and complicated.

The meeting called on Party committees and governments at all levels to implement the CPC Central Committee's instructions, improve the prevention and control strategies and measures in a timely manner, and win the war against the epidemic.

The meeting demanded more resolute efforts to curb the spread of the disease, increase medical personnel, and provide support for the medical staff on the front line.

The meeting especially stressed the importance of the epidemic prevention and control work in Beijing.

Though the COVID-19 has obviously affected economic operation, China's economy has great resilience and potential, and the long-term positive trend will not change, it was stressed.

China's fiscal policy will be more proactive and effective, and the prudent monetary policy will be more flexible.

It is necessary to increase assistance to key sectors and small and medium-sized enterprises, especially those severely affected by the epidemic, such as accommodation, catering and entertainment.

It is also crucial to ensure the production and supply of agricultural products.

The meeting called for R&D support for reagents, drugs, and vaccines and accelerating the development of biomedicine, medical equipment, and 5G networks.

The meeting pointed out the need to deepen opening-up and international cooperation. It is necessary to strengthen communication and coordination with economic and trade partners, and give priority to the leading enterprises which play key roles in the global supply chain to maintain its stability.

It also stressed the importance of employment, saying it is necessary to increase the support for people's employment and livelihood.