People wear masks at a transportation hub in Paranaque, Metro Manila, Philippines, Jan 30, 2020. (Photo: Reuters/Eloisa Lopez) 

MANILA: Philippine health officials have confirmed the first case of the new coronavirus in the country.

A 38-year-old Chinese woman, who arrived in the country from Wuhan, China, on Jan 21, tested positive for the novel coronavirus, Health Secretary Francisco Duque told a news conference.

READ: Stranded in Wuhan: Foreigners raise call for help in virus epicentre

IN PHOTOS: Life in the virus-stricken 'ghost town' of China's Wuhan

Duque said the patient, confined in a government hospital, is currently asymptomatic.

MORE: Our coverage on the Wuhan virus and its developments

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates on the Wuhan virus outbreak: https://cna.asia/telegram