Taiwan adds eight COVID-19 patients

TAIPEI -- The total number of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in Taiwan has increased by eight to 363, the island's epidemic monitoring agency said Sunday.

The new patients, four men and four women, were believed to have contracted the virus during their trips overseas, the agency said in a press release.

One of the patients had been to the United States and was believed to pass the virus to his wife, who developed symptoms first and was tested positive on April 3, but he has had no symptoms as of now, the statement said.

Among the island's confirmed COVID-19 cases, 312 were imported. A total of 54 patients have been discharged from quarantine after recovery, and five died.

The agency reiterated the urgency of the public to maintain social distance and properly wear face masks.