An emergency medical doctor at a New Jersey hospital has tested presumptive positive for the coronavirus, officials announced Friday afternoon.

James Pruden, the medical director of emergency preparedness at St. Joseph’s Health in Paterson, was admitted to the hospital with upper respiratory and cold-like symptoms on March 6, said Kevin Slavin, the medical system’s president.

He made the announcement Friday afternoon alongside Gov. Phil Murphy, who said there are 21 new coronavirus cases in New Jersey. That brings the statewide total to 50 positive tests as the COVID-19 outbreak continues to spread, forcing widespread closures and cancellations.

“Those of us who have devoted our lives to the health care of others know and understand the challenge COVID-19 represents,” Slavin said, noting the state’s 150,000 hospital workers remain at risk.

Pruden, who served as a first responder on 9/11 and also traveled to Houston to provide aid following Hurricane Harvey, is currently isolated at the hospital, Slavin said.

“Jim is a long-time, beloved member of our medical staff and revered throughout the Paterson community,” he said.

“Dr. Pruden is the person always on the front lines, and we are closely monitoring his condition and praying for his full recovery," he continued.

The identities of most people diagnosed with COVID-19 have not been released, as HIPAA protects private medical information. But Slavin said Dr. Pruden volunteered to be named, hoping it would prompt others to get tested, too.

Slavin said they traced those who had contact with Pruden, but none of them have tested positive for the virus.

He said similar diagnoses of doctors and hospital workers are likely to continue as more hospitals admit infected people.

“The point we want to make is, we are all at risk of this,” Slavin said.

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Amanda Hoover can be reached at ahoover@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @amandahoovernj. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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