Nicola Zingaretti

(CNN) Nicola Zingaretti — the head of Italy's co-governing Democratic Party — has announced that he has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, which was confirmed in a video statement on Saturday. Zingaretti said he is now in self-isolation.

"So, it has arrived, I also have the coronavirus," Zingaretti said in a video shared on his Facebook page, adding that he is "well."

"My family is also following the protocols and the local health unit is contacting the people who have been close to me in recent days," the lawmaker said.

Zingaretti, who is also the president of the Lazio region in Italy, called on citizens to not panic and said he will "set a good example by following the instructions" of health officials.