The partner of an American tourist who tested positive for the coronavirus in Bhutan has also been found to be infected, hours before she was to leave the quarantine facility upon completion of the 14-day isolation period.

The woman, who tested positive in the fourth round of exams, is the second case to be reported in Bhutan.

Kuensel, a leading daily in Bhutan, tweeted: “The ‘extra’ precaution Bhutan has taken in handling the Covid-19 situation has proven to be practical in detecting the country’s second positive case yesterday.”

The newspaper said the partner of the 76-year-old who was air-evacuated to the US on March 13 tested positive for the novel coronavirus during the fourth test conducted on March 19.

The 59-year-old partner, along with the tour guide and the driver who were the primary contacts of the 76-year-old American patient, were scheduled to leave the quarantine facility on Friday after completing the 14-day quarantine period. The driver and guide tested negative for the virus.

It has been reported that the US citizen who flew back to his country on March 13 is recovering well.