BEIJING — A renovated hospital formerly used to quarantine and treat SARS patients in Beijing has been kitted out with new medical supplies for the treatment of the novel coronavirus diseases (COVID-19).

The renovation of Xiaotangshan Hospital in the northern suburb started in January as Beijing saw the need for a backup hospital in the treatment and control of the infectious disease.

"Unqualified equipment has been eliminated in the hospital. All the remaining and new equipment will be tested for use," said Yao Hejun, president of the Beijing Institute of Metrology, who oversaw the last batch of equipment complete testing on March 16.

The five-story hospital will accommodate 81 wards with nearly 160 beds, and will be equipped with a ventilation system, an oxygen supply system and other new systems after renovation.

Beijing built Xiaotangshan Hospital in just a week for the treatment and control of SARS, or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, in 2003.

As of March 15, a total of 415 local confirmed cases had been reported in Beijing. Of the total, 358 have been discharged from hospital after recovery and eight have died.