Updated: Local news broadcaster TVB said on Tuesday that Hong Kong reported its first n-CoV death, which is the second fatality outside mainland China.
Hong Kong has had 15 confirmed cases, including one that was transmitted locally.
The first n-CoV death outside China was recorded in the Philippines.
Hong Kong confirms first n-CoV death, second outside China
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Monday the remains of the male Chinese tourist, who tested positive for the 2019 novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV ARD) and died in the Philippines, will be cremated.
He clarified the 2019-nCoV is no longer transmissible from the dead carrier’s body.
Duque said in a separate interview that he has no confirmation yet if the cremated remains would be brought back to China.
He said that the DOH is already coordinating with the Chinese Embassy in Manila.
Duque explained the patient’s sudden death despite being stable when he was admitted to the hospital. He said the Chinese tourist also has Streptococcus pneumoniae and influenza virus. He said the man suffered co-infection, just like the man who died in Hong Kong.