The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics on Wednesday announced it is treating a coronavirus patient who had previously been self-quarantined at home, a development that may highlight the virus' unpredictability.

The individual is in critical condition, according to an email sent Wednesday morning to faculty and staff within the hospital system. A spokeswoman for UIHC did not have additional information later in the day about the patient's condition.

The patient was one of 13 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in Iowa through Tuesday. Public health officials announced an additional case Wednesday, bringing the total in the state to 14.

Gov. Kim Reynolds has given limited directives so far on changing Iowans' daily routines in response to the virus, which is spreading around the world and is permeating American life. She told reporters at a news conference Tuesday that she continues to assess the state's response.

"We'll monitor," Reynolds said at the state Capitol when asked about social distancing measures like canceling public events. "It is a fluid situation."

Still, representatives for the state's colleges and universities are reacting to the virus' spread. On Wednesday, Iowa's three state universities, Drake University and Des Moines University told their nearly 86,000 students that they're canceling in-person classes and will instead hold them online at least through April 3.

The Big Ten and Big 12 conferences announced Wednesday that most fans won't be allowed into this weekend's men's and women's basketball tournament games, starting with Thursday's matchups. The NCAA announced Wednesday that the men's and women's basketball tournaments will be held as scheduled at all venues next week, but without any fans present.

Thirteen of Iowa's confirmed cases are residents of Johnson County, where the University of Iowa hospital system is located. Another lives in Pottawatomie County. All of the infected Iowans except the UIHC patient are recovering at home in self-isolation.

More than 125,000 cases of the virus had been documented around the world by Wednesday evening, and more than 4,600 people have died. On Wednesday, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.

Symptoms of COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by coronavirus, may appear two to 14 days after exposure. They can include cough, fever and shortness of breath.

More on the coronavirus in Iowa:

Limited information was available Wednesday about the Johnson County patient who was admitted to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. A top official for the Iowa City hospital system told faculty and staff by email Wednesday morning that the patient had been diagnosed with COVID-19. The hospital system was alerted in advance of the patient's arrival.

“All proper procedures and precautions were followed during the admission process, and staff members were properly protected,” wrote UIHC CEO Suresh Gunasekaran in an email obtained by the Des Moines Register. “Our preparation ensured that the patient did not come in contact with anyone who was not properly protected.”

In his email, Gunasekaran said the patient “will be isolated for the duration of treatment, so our team members and patients are safe.”

Isolation means that other patients are kept away at what officials described as "a safe distance." Those who are caring for the individual are properly protected, according to Molly Rossiter, a spokeswoman for the hospital system.

Gunasekaran added in the email that employee and patient safety "are our top priorities."

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Gunasekaran said he planned to share information about the hospital system's safety precautions at an employee forum later Wednesday.

The hospital system is limiting patient visits to two adults in most circumstances. Rossiter, said additional visitor restrictions and screening are possible.

The increase of reported cases of the coronavirus in Iowa has been rapid. Reynolds announced the first three cases Sunday night, and public health officials have announced additional cases every day since.

Some who have returned home from recent international travel are checking in periodically with public health officials; some are staying home as a precaution.

The Iowa Department of Public Health is telling Iowans to practice personal hygiene by washing their hands for at least 20 seconds, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home if sick.

Barbara Rodriguez covers health care and politics for the Register. She can be reached by email at bcrodriguez@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8011. Follow her on Twitter @bcrodriguez.

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