The manager from Yangon office for copper mine project management has denied that one Chinese citizen coming from the Chinese city of Wuhan to the Sabaitaung and Kyaysintaung copper mining project area died, describing it as a rumour.

Reports have emerged that 25 people, including three Chinese coming from Wuhan, came to the project site located in Yinmabin Township, Yinmabin District, Sagaing Region, and that one Chinese man has died.  

"It's a made-up story. It's not correct news. No one died here at the camp. Twenty five people were put in a separate room and they are being watched if they have fever and cough. Even now, 14 days have passed. No one has fever or coughing. We can review that all of them are not infected with coronavirus. They can go to worksite," the manager said.

The 25 people who were isolated visited Chaungtha, Ngwehsaung and Ngapali beaches during the Chinese New Year holidays. And they have been living in Myanmar for a long time, he added.

The manager said lawsuit would be filed against those who distributed false news as it could harm the dignity of the company.

After the news about the death from coronavirus, some workers at the project site reportedly had to stop working.