The first two patients infected with novel coronavirus in Northeast China's Heilongjiang province have recovered and were discharged from Harbin Hospital for Infectious Diseases on Saturday, according to local media.

This marks the first batch of cured patients in the province, as well as its capital city.

A 49-year-old male patient was hospitalized on Jan 22 in Harbin when he had serious inflammation in his lung after returning from Wuhan, Hubei province, the epicenter of the outbreak.

He was then diagnosed with the first case of the novel coronavirus in Harbin.

The other 29-year-old male patient arrived in Harbin on Jan 22 from Wuhan. Without going home, he went directly to the hospital because one of his fellow travelers appeared to have a fever. He was then diagnosed with the case of the novel coronavirus.

After medical treatment, including symptomatic treatment, atomized inhalation of interferon, antiviral treatment and traditional Chinese medicine, their health conditions have improved.

They tested negative for the novel coronavirus two consecutive times and had no fever over the past three days.

After joint consultation from experts, they were allowed to go home according to the newest medical standards.

"All workers fighting the epidemic have ushered in the first dawn of victory since the first suspected case appeared in the city," said Wang Jingwei, director of the hospital. "After returning home, the two patients will accept health management from the community and disease department in their places of residence."

As of Saturday, Heilongjiang had 80 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus, including 12 severe cases. Two deaths have been reported.