China has reported 78 new cases of the deadly coronavirus, with a vast majority brought in from overseas as fears rise of a second wave of infections, according to AFP.

The first new case in nearly a week was also reported in Wuhan — the epicentre where the virus emerged last year — along with three other local infections elsewhere in the country.

Seven more people died, the National Health Commission said, all in Wuhan.

The 74 imported cases confirmed on Tuesday were the highest since officials started reporting the data at the beginning of March, and nearly double those reported a day prior.