There has been no significant mutation of the novel coronavirus so far based on data collected from 104 gene sequences which showed 99% homogeneity, Liang Wannian, head of the Chinese expert panel on outbreak response and disposal, said at a joint press conference with World Health Organization (WHO) experts in Beijing.

With regard to the demographic characteristics, Liang said the average age of infected patients is 51. Of the confirmed cases nationwide, 80 percent are aged between 30 and 69.