HARARE: Zimbabwe recorded the first death of a coronavirus patient on Monday, the health minister said, and urged the nation not to panic.

Obadiah Moyo identified the patient as a 30-year-old man who had recently travelled abroad and had a pre-existing condition.

"He had other concurrent serious medical conditions, which made him vulnerable. I wish to urge the nation not to panic because of this death," Moyo told reporters in Harare, urging all those who came into contact with the deceased to go for screening.