Burkina Faso confirms two coronavirus cases

Burkina Faso's health ministry has confirmed two coronavirus cases - the first reported in the country.

The patients are a Burkinabè couple who recently returned from France in February, Health Minister Claudine Lougue told reporters.

The man is 73-years-old and the woman is 57. They tested positive for the virus on Monday and have been placed in isolation, authorities say.

A third person who was reportedly in close contact with the couple has been placed under observation.

Burkina Faso becomes the sixth sub-Saharan African country to report positive tests for coronavirus.