The patient, whose name and travel background has not been revealed, is hospitalised and isolated, Amaral told journalists.

Amaral said the government is identifying people the patient has met with. These people will be tested and isolated.

Timor-Leste had already banned entry to non-residents who had travelled in corona-infected countries. Foreign tourists will now be requested to leave the country.

Health authorities are urging citizens in Timor-Leste to do the right thing to prevent further spread of coronavirus by washing hands, wearing a face mask in public and maintaining a one-metre distance from other people.