UN reports first coronavirus case at its HQ

A female diplomat from the Philippine mission to the United Nations tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday (March 12), according to a note sent to UN missions. It makes the woman the first known case at the world body's New York headquarters, Report informs, citing The Straits Times.

"As of today, the Philippine Mission is in lockdown, and all personnel are instructed to self-quarantine and to seek medical attention should they develop the symptoms. We are assuming that all of us have been infected," wrote Philippines acting UN Ambassador Kira Azucena in a message seen by Reuters.

According to the online UN directory of diplomatic staff, there are about 12 diplomats at the Filipino mission, which is on 5th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan.

The sick diplomat represented the Philippines in the UN General Assembly's legal affairs committee. Ms. Azucena said the diplomat was last at UN headquarters on Monday for about half an hour when she was asymptomatic.

She came down with flu-like symptoms on Tuesday and visited her doctor.

"She got the call today that she tested positive for Covid-19," Ms. Azucena wrote on Thursday.

The UN did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the case.