Filipinos in Singapore were urged to avoid crowded places and observe precautionary measures following the first confirmed case of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) involving a Filipino national in the city-state.

“All Filipinos in Singapore are likewise encouraged to continue to maintain vigilance, observe proper hygiene, avoid crowds or large gatherings and frequently monitor personal health. Those who develop fever, cough, sore throat and difficulty in breathing, are advised to see a doctor immediately,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in an advisory.

The DFA said the Filipino who contracted Covid-19 is now isolated in one of Singapore’s hospitals.

“The Embassy is in close coordination with the Ministry of Health of Singapore and stands ready to provide all consular assistance to the patient as needed. In the meantime, everyone is requested to respect the patient’s privacy,” it said.

Singapore has the third-highest cases of Covid-19 outside China.

The agency also issued a similar advisory in South Korea after the country raised its disease alert to the highest level in response to the spike in Covid-19 deaths and infection. At present, there is no Filipino infected by the disease as well as a travel ban imposed on South Korea.

“But travelers are cautioned to delay non-essential travel to the country as a precaution,” the DFA added.

The latest data from the World Health Organization (WHO) showed that as of Monday, there are 78,811 confirmed cases of the disease, globally, of which, 77,042 are from China, 602 from South Korea, 132 from Japan, and 89 are from Singapore.

The death toll in China from the coronavirus outbreak has risen to 2,594, the country’s National Health Commission said Monday.

The commission said 150 people have died in the past 24 hours while 409 new cases were detected by health authorities. (PNA)