BEIJING — The National Health Commission said on July 17 that 18 COVID-19 patients were discharged from hospitals after recovery on the Chinese mainland on July 16.

There were 251 patients still being treated, including three in severe condition, the commission said in its daily report.

Altogether 78,737 patients had been cured and discharged from hospitals by July 16, the report said.

As of July 16, a total of 83,622 confirmed COVID-19 cases had been reported on the mainland, among whom 4,634 died of the disease.