More than 21,000 medical workers from 194 medical teams who helped Central China's Hubei province fight novel coronavirus have departed from the province for home as of Tuesday, according to the National Health Commission.

Meanwhile, about 16,500 medical workers from 139 teams remain in their positions treating patients in Wuhan, especially those with serious conditions, after nearly half of their peers have left for home, said Jiao Yahui, deputy chief of the commission's Medical Administration and Supervision Department, at a news conference on Wednesday.

More medical workers are expected to return home by the end of this month, she added.

Liu Ming, a senior official from the National Development and Reform Commission, said that tickets, meals and protective supplies will be offered free of charge to these workers on their way back.

Delivery companies also have helped them transport luggage home for free.

According to the health commission, the first group of 3,675 medical workers departed Wuhan on March 17.