The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) says they have now tested a total of 160 people for the SARS-COV-2 virus and as of Monday, not a single case tested positive.
The NICD is currently the only laboratory performing these tests.
The Institute, however, noted with concern, the disturbing stigmatization against people from affected areas which now include countries in Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
According to the NICD stigma has the potential to drive people to hide their illness and prevent them from seeking help.
This can lead to further difficulties in identifying and controlling the spread of the virus.
"Viruses do not target people from specific populations, ethnicities, or racial backgrounds and we urge the public to desist from participating in stereotyping and discriminating against an identifiable group of people, a place, or a nation," it said in a statement.
Anyone who develops symptoms of respiratory illness including cough, fever and shortness of breath either during or after recent travel to countries where COVID-19 is known to be circulating (which as of 24 February includes mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Iran and Italy) must seek medical care early and share information about their travel history with their healthcare providers.
The General Public Hotline Number is 0800 029 999
