MADISON (WKOW) -- The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has furnished two state labs with the ability to test for the new strain of coronavirus.

Officials said both the Milwaukee Health Department and UW-Madison now have the capability to check swabs for Covid-19, the virus responsible for outbreaks around the globe.

The labs have the ability to test hundreds of patients.

The nations worst hit include China, South Korea, Italy, Iran and Japan.

DHS is preparing to switch from containing the disease to controlling the spread should it begin to disseminate in the community.

Thus far, testing confirmed only one person had the virus in Dane County. Health officials recently released that person from isolation after they tested negative for the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control listed cough, shortness of breath and fever as symptoms of the ailment. Those signs, combined with a history of travel to countries affected by the virus -- such as China -- will lead to testing.

DHS asked that people returning from affected countries should self-quarantine and self-monitor for symptoms. If they need health care, they should contact their local health department.

"We're asking them to quarantine and monitor for signs and symptoms, including and especially, fever and cough or any kind of respiratory illnesses," said Tom Haupt, respiratory disease epidemiologist with DHS.

Officials also recommended that anyone who believes they may be infected to wear a facemask. The general public does not need to buy facemasks.

Federal officials are strongly discouraging travel to five countries right now, including China, Italy, Japan, Iran and South Korea. Many are planning spring break trips right now.

If you're going somewhere in the US, health officials here in Wisconsin aren't as concerned, but they say you should still take extra precautions to avoid getting sick.

If you're planning any travel right now, it's best to check the latest warnings first.

"We are asking people to really be aware of the situation. Look on the CDC website. See if places where you're going to be traveling is something where you could be at higher risk," Haupt said.

UW-Madison has suspended its study abroad programs in China, South Korea and now Italy, bringing almost 180 students back home.

The university has not said whether the students have returned yet, or what precautions they'll be advised to take when they get back.

Health officials expect more workplaces to have to plan for the possibility of people working from home, when coronavirus starts spreading in the community.

"Those employers who've been able to support and who've been willing to support people to stay home when they are wanting them at work is again another disruption and something that we truly appreciate," said Jeanne Ayers, state health officer with DHS.

If you have symptoms, you should call your doctor first before going in to be seen, to avoid spreading the illness at a health facility. If you've traveled to an affected region, you should contact the health department for guidance.