The Integrated Crisis Management Centre’s (CIGC) spokesperson, Dr Rui Maria de Araujo, said there were 629 suspected cases waiting for test results as of Wednesday, with 390 tests returning negative to the fast-spreading virus.

The total registered cases are 24, with 6 recoveries.

Timor-Leste has extended its state of emergency by four weeks to May 28, a declaration that limits movement of citizens and enforces closures on businesses and borders.

Dr Araujo said he  attributed low local transmission rates to people’s vigalence, encouraging continuation of social distancing practices of at least one metre, washing hands thoroughly and regularly and wearing a face mask when outside the home.

He also said 27 of 69 people suspected of being in contact with two Portuguese teachers who have contracted the virus had tested negative.

On April 6, a Portuguese teacher who had returned to Lisbon from Liquiça tested positive for the virus. A second teacher in Liquicia had been kept in isolation as a “suspected” case, was confirmed positive 21 April.