Eight of the nine confirmed UK novel coronavirus patients discharged

Eight of the nine people being treated for novel coronavirus pneumonia in the United Kingdom have been discharged from hospital, UK health authorities announced on Saturday.

Those discharged had all tested negative for the disease, which is also called COVID-19, on two occasions.

"I want to stress that any individuals who are discharged from hospital are now well and do not pose any public health risk to the public," UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock said.

Five of those discharged belonged to a ski group that had contracted the virus while on a trip to France.

"All of our group, including the six in other countries, have recovered quickly from the virus having required minimal medical treatment during our time in isolation," the group said in a joint statement on Saturday.