By Linda Khoo Hui Li
BANGKOK, Feb 6 (NNN-Bernama) — Thailand’s first case of human-to-human transmission of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has been discharged from a medical facility after laboratory tests showed that he has recovered from the infection.

The 50-year-old taxi driver, who does not have a record of travelling to epidemic-stricken areas, was likely infected by a sick Chinese tourist and had received treatment at the Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute.

Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the taxi driver had been cleared by doctors of coronavirus after receiving treatment. However, he did not disclose when.

“None of his family members or those who had been in contact with him were infected with the virus.

“At present, nine of the 25 patients of the deadly coronavirus had been discharged from hospitals,” he said when giving a daily update on coronavirus in Thailand here Wednesday.

The taxi driver, who was present at the press briefing, thanked health personnel for treating and taking care of him.

Anutin said 16 patients were still receiving treatment in hospital and their conditions were improving.

Meanwhile, at the Sattahip Naval Base in Chon Buri, Deputy Public Health Minister Sathit Pitutecha said four Thais who returned from Wuhan yesterday had been admitted to the Queen Sirikit Naval Hospital in Chon Buri late Tuesday night.

“Lab results of the four were negative for coronavirus,” he said.

At present, there are 25 confirmed coronavirus cases in Thailand, of whom 19 are China nationals and six Thais.

— NNN-BERNAMA