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

There were 259 patients still being treated, including five in severe condition, the commission said in its daily report.

Altogether 80,766 patients had been discharged from hospitals after recovery by Oct 16, the commission added.

As of Oct 16, a total of 85,659 confirmed COVID-19 cases had been reported on the mainland, among whom 4,634 died of the disease.