Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) -  The coronavirus has arrived in Olmsted County.

Olmsted County Public Health Director Graham Briggs spoke at a news conference this afternoon at the Government Center in downtown Rochester and announced an Olmsted County resident living in the Rochester area has tested positive for the new coronavirus. He says the individual sought health care at the Mayo Clinic and requested to be tested for COVID-19 on Tuesday afternoon and the local public health organization was notified late last night of the positive results.

The individual did not require hospitalization and is now recovering in isolation at home.

Briggs says the patient had recently traveled internationally in an area where COVID-19 is active and it's suspected that's where the infection occurred. A public health investigation was launched last night and Briggs says it appears the number of people who had contact with the patient was small and limited. Officials are contacting those individuals and having them self-quarantine for the next 14 days while they monitor themselves for symptoms of the infection.

At this point, Briggs says Public Health has not detected any signs of community transmission and is not recommending any restrictions on normal activities. He also added that individuals and organizations are being advised to have discussions and take steps to prepare for the possibility of future steps that might be required in the event of community spread of the virus.

People faced with a higher risk of serious illness due to the new coronavirus are being advised to avoid large crowds that could increase the potential for them to be exposed to the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends those at higher risk stock up on supplies they might need if it is recommended they stay at home and avoid contact with others for a period of time to lessen the risk of infection.

Rochester Public Schools Superintendent Michael Munoz also spoke during the news conference. He says the school district is continuing to operate normally but like others across the U.S., it is also preparing for the possibility of having to close schools and take other steps if they become necessary due to the spread of the new virus.

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