Egypt says foreigner thought to be carrying coronavirus has tested negative

In Summary

• Egypt confirmed last Friday its first coronavirus case and said the affected person was a foreigner.

Medical staff carry a box at Jinyintan hospital, where the patients with pneumonia caused by the new strain of coronavirus are being treated, in Wuhan, Hubei province, China.
Medical staff carry a box at Jinyintan hospital, where the patients with pneumonia caused by the new strain of coronavirus are being treated, in Wuhan, Hubei province, China.
Image: REUTERS

A foreigner in Egypt who was thought to be carrying the coronavirus has tested negative for it, Egyptian state TV said on Wednesday, citing the health ministry. 

Egypt confirmed last Friday its first coronavirus case and said the affected person was a foreigner who had been put into isolation in hospital.

The health ministry said in a statement it had immediately informed the World Health Organization (WHO) and had taken all necessary preventative measures. It did not give the nationality of the affected person, or any other details.

WHO Egypt said on Twitter the person was carrying the virus, but had not shown any symptoms and was in a stable condition.

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