The acting Minister of Health, Élia António de Araújo dos Reis Amaral, announced today, March 21, 2020, the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Timor-Leste.

The patient, who has mild symptoms, is in isolation and under medical monitoring.

The Ministry of Health calls on the population to remain calm and to adopt the following preventive measures:

1. Avoid social interaction in group;
2. Stay at home and don’t go out if there is no major need;
3. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use disinfectant;
4. Sneeze or cough into the flexed arm, or use a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash after use and wash your hands with soap and water;
5. Avoid putting your hands on your face, eyes and mouth;
Keep a distance of at least one meter from people with fever, coughing or sneezing symptoms;
6. Eat cooked food and well done meat;
If you have symptoms such as cough, fever and breathing difficulties you should:
- wear a mask;

- stay at home;

- seek medical assistance, please contact:

* Mrs. Ofélia do Carmo – 77 942 475

* Dr. Custodia Florindo – 77 861 000

* Mrs. Maria Angela – 78 258 707