Chinese authorities are scrambling to tighten controls at airports and other points of entry for international travelers as the country grapples with an influx of coronavirus cases.

The coronavirus, which was first detected in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late December, has killed 3,073 and infected more than 80,800 in the country.

While Wuhan still accounted for the bulk of the new cases, there were no new infections reported elsewhere in Hubei province for a second day, prompting speculation of a possible easing of lockdowns and other harsh control measures.

More than 20 provinces have downgraded their alert levels and eased travel and transport restrictions amid calls from top Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping, for an early return to work to limit the economic fallout from the epidemic.

The number of new infections outside Hubei rose for a third consecutive day, from five on Thursday to 25 on Saturday, most as a result of Chinese travelers returning from overseas trips, according to the commission.

It said there were 60 confirmed imported cases in total in China, up from 20 two days ago.