BEIJING, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- China has stepped up efforts to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. Here are the latest developments:

-- Hubei Province adopted new methodology and reported 14,840 new cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), including 13,332 clinically diagnosed cases, and 242 deaths, including 135 clinical cases, on Wednesday.

The total confirmed cases in Hubei reached 48,206 by Wednesday.

The provincial capital Wuhan reported 13,436 new infections and 216 new deaths on Wednesday.

-- A total of 2,600 additional medical personnel from the armed forces will be tasked with treating patients in two hospitals in Wuhan, the epicenter of the novel coronavirus outbreak.

-- A State Council joint task force issued a circular to regulate the use of air-conditioning and ventilation systems in offices and public places amid an effort to contain the novel coronavirus. Those facilities should be halted once a suspected or confirmed case of pneumonia caused by the virus is identified there.

-- As it advances epidemic control with all-out efforts, China will enhance macro-economic regulation, and step up production, allocation and supply of key materials, to maintain social and economic progress, according to a State Council's executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang.

-- Beijing urged pharmacies to carry out real-name registration for customers who buy fever and cough medicine. They are required to register their names, addresses, ID card numbers and contact information, as well as the symptoms.