A total of 34 new cases of the novel coronavirus, all imported, were confirmed on the Chinese mainland as of midnight on Wednesday.

It's the first time that zero domestically transmitted COVID-19 cases were reported.

From thousands of infected patients a day to hundreds and now zero – the day has finally arrived when central China's Wuhan City can announce that it has no more new COVID-19 infected cases.

"Hubei has no new confirmed cases, no new suspected cases or existing suspected cases by Wednesday," said Mi Feng, spokesperson for China's National Health Commission (NHC).

Good news for Wuhan

Local residents were clearly overjoyed when they heard the news.

"I'm glad to hear that there isn't any new case today," said Liu Song, a food delivery worker.

"Many thanks to those medical workers from other parts of the country who came to support Wuhan and Hubei," said a resident named Zhang.

For people under lockdown for almost two months, knowing the city has come this far is a cause for celebration.

"Wuhan residents have supported the government's resolution in fighting the outbreak. They also appreciate all the support from across the country," said Xu Yikun, a community volunteer. "Another thing I noticed is that residents have a strong desire to return to work," he added.

On Thursday, Wuhan announced that groceries, pharmacies and food markets in infection-free communities will be allowed to reopen. Residents may also undertake minor activities within their communities.

Zhang, 50, said even though his life was manageable during the lockdown, there's one thing he misses the most. "I want to go back to work once the lockdown is over. It's been a long time. I need to go back to the company and handle the business."

Even food delivery guys – one of the few professions still working amid the outbreak – are delighted with the latest news.

"I've been working throughout the lockdown. I hope the lockdown is lifted soon," said Liu.

Although residents say they don't know when the city will lift its lockdown and when the fight against COVID-19 will end, they remain hopeful that the day they're all waiting for will come soon.

COVID-19 situation in China

The total number of confirmed cases on the Chinese mainland stands at 80,928, with the cumulative death toll of 3,245.

The NHC said 819 patients were discharged from hospitals on Wednesday, bringing the total number of recovered cases to 70,420.

The numbers of confirmed cases in the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and China's Taiwan region are as follows:

Hong Kong: 192 (95 recovered, 4 dead)

Macao: 15 (10 recovered)

Taiwan: 100 (22 recovered, 1 dead)

(Sun Tianyuan contributed to the story.)