Of the new cases, one was a citizen from Portugal teaching in the Liquicia municipality, said Dr Rui Maria de Araujo, a spokesperson for the government’s Integrated Crisis Management Centre (CIGC).

The new patients are isolated and receiving treatment at the Vera Cruz medical clinic in Dili, Dr Araujo said.

Some 327 people are waiting test results for the virus, and 582 people remain in 14-day quarantine in government-run sites across the country.

With cases increasing, Dr Araujo called on the public to remain calm and continue to practice  social distancing of at least one metre, wash hands thoroughly and regularly and wear a face mask.

Dr Araújo said on Monday that to slow the spread of the virus everyone must work together and “follow” the government’s behavioural advice.