Guelph has at least one confirmed diagnosis of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

In a news release Monday evening, St. Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph confirmed that a patient in one of its post-acute units has tested positive for the coronavirus.

“We realize that this news is concerning,” David Wormald, president of St. Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph, stated in the release.

“SJHCG is following all directives from public health authorities on precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

According to a news release issued by Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health Tuesday morning, the patient is a man in his 80s and is currently in stable condition and in isolation.

“We are working very closely with St. Joseph’s Health Centre to ensure that all appropriate infection control measures are being taken,” Dr. Nicola Mercer, medical officer of health and the CEO of Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, states in the news release.

“We know that COVID-19 is circulating in our community and this incident further emphasizes the importance of social distancing. We are asking members of our community to stay home as much as possible and to avoid visits to hospitals, long-term care facilities, or retirement homes unless absolutely essential."

In an email to the Mercury Tribune, Public Health spokesperson Chuck Ferguson said visitor restrictions have been in place at St. Joseph's since March 14, "as per the recommendation from the province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.

"Any staff or residents who are symptomatic will be tested as will anyone who is deemed at risk because they came into close personal contact with the individual while providing care."

Last week, St. Joe’s confirmed that three residents were being tested for the coronavirus after a respiratory outbreak at the facility, and that all were doing well.