Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 5)— A top medical expert on Wednesday allayed fears about the delayed cremation of the novel coronavirus fatality in the Philippines, saying the patient’s body is no longer infectious.

Infectious disease Dr. Marissa Alejandria said the virus will likely die along with its host— a 44-year-old Chinese man who is the country’s second confirmed case of the 2019-nCoV and the first reported death outside of China.

“No, because the body is in a body bag already. So hindi naman na siya (he will not be) infectious at this point,” Alejandria, President of the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, told CNN Philippines’ The Source. “Eventually, yes, it will die,” she added of the virus.

It has been four days since the death of the Chinese man, who arrived in the country on January 21 via Hong Kong from Wuhan, the Chinese city at the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak.

The delay in cremation prompted netizens to air concerns on safety— especially of health workers and people within the vicinity of the Manila-based hospital.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the crematorium operators they have contacted— mostly Chinese— backed out from their previous agreements.

Duque earlier said the remains of the Chinese man were already sealed in a body bag, pursuant to medical safety protocol. Health authorities also remain hopeful the body will be cremated this Wednesday.

Alejandria, for her part, said health workers will be tasked to follow infection control guidelines, so as to prevent the spread of the virus. She noted officials can also opt for burial— instead of cremation— as long as the body is sealed.

At least 490 people have been killed by the respiratory illness caused by the new coronavirus around the world, CNN reported Wednesday. The global number of coronavirus cases has now soared to over 24,000.

In response, President Rodrigo Duterte has expanded the country’s temporary travel ban, which now covers passengers to and from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau— or those who had been to the areas within 14 days before their arrival in the Philippines.

Filipinos and holders of permanent resident visa coming from the said places will be allowed to enter the country, but will be required to undergo 14 days of mandatory quarantine.