WUHAN — Central China's Hubei province, the center of the novel coronavirus epidemic, used helicopters to ensure the smooth and timely transportation of emergency supplies to support epidemic prevention and control, a senior local official said on Feb 4.

Hubei used five helicopters and two fixed-wing aircraft to transport supplies of emergency materials to frontline hospitals, said Cao Guangjing, vice-governor of Hubei, at a press conference.

Eleven trips have been made by helicopter to deliver protective materials to hospitals and medical staff in remote and inaccessible areas, with over 20 tons of supplies including protective suits and face masks delivered.

Meanwhile, Hubei has also set up five transfer stations in the cities of Wuhan and Xiangyang to ensure reliable supplies of medical materials.

As of Feb 3, Hubei has coordinated over 43,500 vehicles for daily necessities and medical supplies transportation as well as construction projects.