Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of the novel coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19), and to scientifically guide the prevention and control of COVID-19 in Hubei Province. Methods All COVID-19 cases reported online in Hubei Province as of March 31, 2020 were extracted from Hubei^'s Infectious Disease Information System. The epidemic curve, age and sex characteristics, and spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of the COVID-19 cases were analyzed. Results As of March 31, 2020, a total of 70 764 cases were reported in Hubei Province, including 49 195 confirmed cases. A total of 4 579 deaths occurred among the confirmed cases, and the reported case fatality rate was 6.47%. The peak of the onset of symptoms occurred from January 20 to February 14, 2020. The sex ratio of male to female of the confirmed cases was 0.99: 1, and most were 30-69 years old. The cases diagnosed before January 5 were mainly reported by Wuhan City. From January 6 to January 31, all counties and districts in the province reported that the incidence of confirmed COVID-19 cases began to rise, and about 50% counties reported that the morbidity rate of confirmed COVID-19 cases was over 10 cases per 100 000. The morbidity rate of COVID-19 cases rose rapidly between February 1-15, and then gradually reached its peak after February 16. Conclusion Wuhan City of Hubei Province first discovered and reported the COVID-19 outbreak. The onset of symptoms peaked in January 20 to February 14, and the 30-69 years old group was the key population. Many measures such as restricting personnel movement, reducing contact, and strengthening health education played an important role in controlling the outbreak of COVID-19 in Hubei.