China reported the fewest new Covid-19 cases in over a month, official data showed, suggesting that the latest wave of the disease is subsiding ahead of the key Lunar New Year holiday period set to begin next week, Reuters reported.

The National Health Commission said in a statement that a total of 20 new mainland Covid-19 cases were reported on Feb 4, down from 30 cases a day earlier and marking the fewest cases since 19 patients were reported on Dec 31.

Only six of the new cases were locally transmitted infections, with five reported in northeastern Heilongjiang province and one in Shanghai. New asymptomatic cases, which China does not classify as confirmed Covid-19 cases, rose to 28 from 12 a day earlier, however.