Chad's president has told the nation "not to give in to panic" after the country confirmed its first coronavirus case on Thursday.

"[We must simply] follow hygiene rules and other recommended measures to the letter," President Idriss Déby said on Twitter.

As of Thursday night, Chad has suspended all international flights into and out of the country for a period of two weeks, with the exception of cargo planes. It is also closing some of its land borders.

Gatherings of more than 50 people have also been banned.