Sierra Leone confirms 1st coronavirus case

By Adam Abu-bashal

ABUJA (AA) - Sierra Leone on Tuesday confirmed its first case of coronavirus.

President Julius Maada Bio said on national television that a 37-year-old person tested positive for COVID-19.

The health condition of the patient in quarantine is stable, Bio said, adding that the patient came from France on March 16.

On March 25, Bio declared a 12-month public health emergency to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

African governments have introduced numerous measures to stem the virus' spread, including closing schools, imposing travel restrictions, and banning large gatherings.

After first appearing in Wuhan, China, last December, the virus has spread to at least 179 countries and regions, according to the U.S-based Johns Hopkins University database.

The data shows the confirmed number of cases worldwide has surpassed 823,400, with the death toll over 40,600 and more than 174,800 recoveries.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar