The Public Health Ministry has found the first patient infected with the new Coronavirus 2019 in Thailand – a 61-year-old Chinese woman from Wuhan city.

However, the condition of the patient is not severe and she is ready to return to her homeland.

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said today (January 13) that Thailand has implemented measures for screening patients travelling from Wuhan city since January 3 at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang, Phuket and Chiang Mai airports, and stepped up surveillance at public and private hospitals.

There are 12 patients that showed signs of the condition but most have seasonal influenza. Eight patients with a high fever were detected by a thermo-scan at Suvarnabhumi Airport and treated in a separation room at the Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute since January 8.

A laboratory test on January 12 discovered the new Coronavirus, the first case in Thailand. The patient has been healed was ready to return to China today (January 13).

Anutin asked the public not to panic as the ministry has the potential to tackle any crisis.

The ministry has international-standard diagnosis and medical care and is closely coordinating with the World Health Organisation and all related departments within the airports to build trust among citizens and tourists, he said.

If people returning from the epidemic area experience within 14 days a fever, sore throat, nasal discharge, coughing, phlegm or wheezing, ask to see a doctor immediately or notify the Department of Disease Control via hotline 1422.