With respect to an Australian patient who resides in southern Australia and had traveled to Taiwan before being diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced today that it has obtained information on the identity of the 58-year-old patient from Australian authorities, and traced to another suspected case based on available information. The Australian patient transited through Bangkok from London for Taiwan on February 22, and entered Taiwan on February 23. The patient developed a cough and a runny nose and went to a clinic on the evening of February 27. The patient left Taiwan on March 2.

The CECC stated that preliminary investigation suggested a higher possibility that the patient contracted the novel coronavirus abroad, and developed symptoms in Taiwan. The CECC is investigating the patient’s travel itinerary in Taiwan from February 23 to March 2 to identify related contacts. The public is advised to remain calm.