However, Dr Lobo told reporters during CIGC’s daily briefing that people crossing the border illegally was a risk for the country.

A citizen was arrested Thursday for breaking strict movement restrictions and entering the country from Indonesia, she said.

This follows four arrests in Dili on Tuesday of citizens crossing into the country at Mota Ain.

Timor-Leste’s coronavirus taskforce said a total of 84 people remain in compulsory confinement and three people are in self-quarantine.

Four probable patients of the virus are receiving treatment at Vera Cruz hospital in Dili.

Some, 2181 citizens have already completed the fourteen-day quarantine period.

As Timor-Leste’s virus count continues to plateau and people look to a vaccine to eradicate the disease, World Health Organisation health officials this week underscored the difficulties of finding vaccines that are effective against coronavirus.

WHO emergencies expert Mike Ryan told an online briefing on Wednesday that more than 100 potential vaccines are being developed.

However, he warned that people should prepare for a future where the virus may never be eradicated.

 “I think it is important we are realistic and I don’t think anyone can predict when this disease will disappear,” he said.

“This disease may settle into a long problem, or it may not be.”

Ryan noted that vaccines exist for other illnesses, such as measles, that have not been eliminated.