WUHAN — Nearly half of major industrial enterprises in Central China's Hubei province have resumed production as of March 17, signaling a further recovery of the province hard hit by the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Wang Qiyang, head of the provincial department of economy and information technology, said on March 18 that 7,629 local enterprises had restarted the production, particularly those of significance to the entire industrial chain.

The enterprises included those in automaking, Hubei's pillar industry, as well as phosphatic fertilizer plants, and those in the industries of electronics and optical fiber communication, Wang told a press conference.

The provincial health commission required those enterprises to prepare sufficient masks, disinfectant, liquid soap, infrared thermometers and other supplies that will cover of no less than five days.