BEIJING — A Chinese health official said on Feb 25 that people in low-risk areas still need to pay attention to personal protection even though the number of new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection has dropped.

The number of new infections of the virus on the Chinese mainland outside Hubei province, the epicenter of the outbreak, has dropped to nine on Feb 24, said He Qinghua with the National Health Commission at a news conference.

A total of 23 provincial-level regions and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps reported no increase of new confirmed cases, and seven provinces reported no more than two new confirmed cases on Feb 24.

The current data indicates that a large number of counties will gradually become regions with low risk of novel coronavirus infection, He said.

The official said the regions with low risk should make overall plans to promote social and economic development while keeping the epidemic prevention and control work.

"But 'low risk' is not 'no risk.' People still need to pay attention to personal protection," He stressed.

Once people develop symptoms of cough and fever, they should wear a mask and immediately visit a hospital, he added.