Chinese Ambassador to Italy Li Junhua said on Sunday he is confident that the novel coronavirus outbreak will be under control in the country eventually. 

In an interview with CCTV, Li mentioned closer cooperation in virus protection between China and Italy as China has brought a second group of medical experts to Italy to help fight against the COVID-19 on Tuesday. 

The ambassador shed light on containment actions in Italy: "I believe the situation in Italy will take a turn for the better once the measures to contain the epidemic would be implemented gradually and well." 

The medical group sent by China, with 12 experts from Zhejiang Province, carried 30 respirators, 200,000 masks and nine tonnes of supplies to assist Italian local authorities in the treatment and prevention of the disease. 

Italy recorded a jump in deaths from coronavirus of almost 800 on Saturday, taking the toll in the world's hardest-hit country to almost 5,000. 

In its latest desperate effort to halt the epidemic, Rome ordered that all businesses must close until April 3, with the exception of those essential to maintaining the country's supply chain. 

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(Cover: Screenshot of CCTV's interview with Chinese Ambassador to Italy Li Junhua)