Hours after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency, University of Texas President Gregory L. Fenves announced that his wife, Carmel, had contracted the novel coronavirus. A second member of his family, who works at UT, is presumed to have the virus as well.

Fenves said he has been tested, and he and his family members are in self-isolation. News of the confirmation came several hours after local health officials announced two separate cases in Travis County. A university spokesman said Fenves would get the results of his test in the coming days, though an exact date is unclear.

"Under normal circumstances, I would not describe the details of an individual’s illness. However, given the widespread impact of COVID-19, Carmel and I wanted to share this information with you so members of our community can take proper precautions," Fenves said in a letter to the community Friday.

Last week, the pair traveled to New York City for several events with alumni and students. Upon returning Saturday afternoon, Carmel started exhibiting mild flu-like symptoms, Fenves said. She tested negative for the flu Thursday and was then tested for COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. At 5:30 a.m. Friday, Fenves said they received the news she had tested positive.

"If you have had close contact with me or my family members or another person with COVID-19 and you are not exhibiting symptoms, we strongly recommend that you self-isolate starting today," Fenves said. "You should continue to do so until it has been 14 days since your last contact."

The school canceled all classes Friday ahead of a previously announced extended two-week spring break. Upon return, UT will implement several social distancing measures, including moving many classes online. The school already has canceled all study abroad programs through the summer, calling home about 700 students. For the next two weeks, all events at the university’s Frank Erwin Center and Bass Concert Hall also are canceled.

Fenves said the couple has compiled a list of people with whom they had contact, and UT Health Austin nurses will be reaching out to those on the list who are affiliated with UT to screen them per guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Fenves had held meetings all week, including interviews with media. During those meetings, Fenves did not shake hands but instead bumped elbows. Members of the president’s staff have been instructed to self-isolate until his test results return.

It’s unclear what additional steps the university might take to prevent further exposure to the virus, but Fenves urged the community to continue practicing good hygiene and social distancing habits.

"The university is working around the clock to adjust to this rapidly evolving situation, and we will communicate with you every step of the way, which will include our upcoming plans for campus operations next week," Fenves said.