BEIJING — Over one-third of all existing domestic COVID-19 cases in the Chinese mainland are in serious or critical conditions, the National Health Commission (NHC) said on April 1.

"We should always make all-out efforts to treat the seriously or critically ill," said Mi Feng, spokesperson for the NHC, at a press conference.

As of March 31, 2,004 patients were still being treated on the Chinese mainland.

Mi also called on all people in the country to keep good hygiene habits as April is the month for promoting the awareness of hygiene and health in China.

Everyone should take the prime responsibility for his/her own health and continue contributing to epidemic prevention and control, said Mi.