First Virus Death Reported in Hong Kong Puts Pressure on Lam

Comes after city’s leader announced new border closures
Hong Kong working to ward off spread of deadly virus

China's Social Stability Is Under Threat: Xi

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By Karen Leigh, Iain Marlow, Stephen Tan and Rachel Chang

February 4, 2020 at 2:48 AM UTC

Updated on

February 4, 2020 at 6:39 AM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

Hong Kong reported its first death in the coronavirus outbreak Tuesday, according to Cable TV, putting new pressure on leader Carrie Lam to contain its spread through the densely populated Asian financial hub.

The 39-year-old patient is only the second person outside of mainland China to die after contracting the new virus. According to earlier information released by the Hong Kong government, the patient had a pre-existing illness and was admitted to the hospital on Jan. 31.