LOWELL — A patient at Lowell General Hospital is undergoing treatment in an isolated room to evaluate whether they meet the criteria for COVID-19, or coronavirus, testing, hospital officials say.

The patient was admitted to the hospital on Sunday night after showing symptoms of the illness. He is considered at “very low risk” of infection, according to Lowell City Manager Eileen Donoghue.

“Based on the information we have, there was no foreign travel, there’s no contact with anyone who had the COVID-19, so there was no other factors involved,” Donoghue said.

Lowell General Hospital released a statement on Monday night, saying the hospital is working closely with state and local officials to prepare for the potential spread of the viral respiratory disease to the Merrimack Valley.

“Our infectious disease specialists and team of experienced health care providers continue to monitor the most up-to-date information and protocols being released by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health,” the statement reads. “We remind our community that the best way to prevent the spread of any virus is by taking basic steps like proper hand hygiene and cough etiquette.”

On Friday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave approval to the Massachusetts State Public Health Lab to conduct testing for coronavirus. According to Donoghue, previous specimens ready for testing had to be submitted to an out-of-state laboratory operated by the CDC.

One COVID-19 case has been confirmed in Massachusetts as of Monday night. Health officials say that patient is recovering.

Massachusetts Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders said 608 people have engaged in self-quarantine procedures, including 377 who have completed the quarantine without symptoms. The remaining 231 are still within an initial 14-day home quarantine period.

As of Monday night, there have been six deaths in the U.S. related to coronavirus. The global death toll has exceeded 3,000, with more than 90,000 confirmed cases across more than 60 countries.

The most common initial symptoms of the illness are fever, a dry cough and shortness of breath.

According to the CDC website, there is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus. The website states the best way to prevent contracting the illness is to:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

State House News Service contributed to this report.

Follow Aaron Curtis on Twitter @aselahcurtis