Taiwan adds two COVID-19 cases after 13 days of zero reports

Two people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Taiwan, breaking a period of 13 consecutive days with no new cases reported, the local epidemic monitoring agency said Monday.

A married couple contracted COVID-19 in late May when they stayed in Bangladesh, receiving treatment there, the agency said in a press release. The husband is in his 50s, while the wife is in her 40s.

Both of them tested negative for COVID-19 on June 2 in Bangladesh and returned to Taiwan via Malaysia on June 13, according to the agency.

However, after their arrival in Taiwan, they tested positive again.

The couple had no symptoms and wore face masks and protective suits during their flight, the agency said.

A total of 37 people had contact with them aboard the plane and have been quarantined in their residences.

The total number of COVID-19 cases in Taiwan has risen to 445. Of these, 433 have recovered, while seven died.