TAIPEI (AFP) - A Taiwanese couple who recently tested positive for the new coronavirus, which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan, likely picked up their infections on a flight from Hong Kong to Italy, the authorities said.

The couple, both retirees in their 50s, had no history of travel to the Chinese mainland but were admitted to hospital on Feb 4, three days after returning from a holiday in Italy.

They transited in Hong Kong on their journey to and from Europe.