On 5 March, Li Keqiang, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Premier of the State Council, and head of the Central Leading Group on Responding to the Novel Coronavirus Disease Outbreak, chaired a meeting of the leading group.

The meeting heard updates on the containment work and the epidemic situation overseas. It highlighted the need to adjust the containment measures according to a region-specific and tiered approach. Wuhan and Hubei Province should remain the top priority, and no effort shall be spared to treat severe cases in order to further lower the fatality rate and raise the cure rate. All cases, once detected, must be handled immediately, with factual information released in a timely manner. Any cover-ups or under- reporting will never be allowed.

Beijing and other key regions must enforce rigorous containment measures in communities, transportation routes and ports, enhance preparedness in terms of facilities, materials and manpower, and prevent infections caused by gatherings of people and imported cases.

The meeting called for closer communication and coordination with the World Health Organization and relevant countries to step up cooperation on testing, diagnostic and treatment techniques, and development of drugs and vaccines.