Chinese authorities said key companies could resume work in Wuhan, AFP reported.

This decision followed President Xi Jinping’s first visit to Wuhan after the coronavirus outbreak. The number of new cases of coronavirus in Wuhan has been steadily declining in recent weeks.

The Hubei Provincial Government said Wuhan enterprises that provide daily necessities, utilities and prevent or combat the epidemic are among those that can resume work immediately.

Wuhan companies, which play a key role in global industrial chains, can also resume work after receiving approval. Other companies are expected to resume production after March 20.

Japanese automaker Honda said on Wednesday that some of its employees have begun working at a factory in Wuhan.