Netherlands reports first death from coronavirus

AMSTERDAM

An elderly man in Rotterdam, Netherlands, who was put under quarantine after contracting the coronavirus, passed away on Friday, Dutch health officials said.

According to a statement by an institute affiliated with the country’s Health Ministry, the 86-year-old patient was treated at Ikazia hospital prior to his death.

The statement called on those having interacted with the patient to stay at home, and that they will be tested if required.

So far, at least 82 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the European country.

The death toll has risen to 3,381 worldwide, including 3,045 in China, where the infection first surfaced last December.

Outside mainland China, 148 have died in Italy, 107 in Iran and 42 in South Korea.

Fatalities have been reported in Japan, U.S., U.K., as well as France, Spain and Australia.

After declaring the outbreak an international health emergency, the World Health Organization updated the global risk assessment to very high.

The World Bank, meanwhile, has committed $12 billion in aid for developing countries affected by the virus. The emergency package includes low-cost loans, grants and technical assistance.