The Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed Wednesday that the state has the first positive test result for coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, aside from the passengers that returned from quarantine in China or the Diamond Princess cruise ship.

One day later, Houston officials confirmed Thursday the first two cases of the novel virus in Harris County.

According to a statement from the Harris County Public Health Department, the two newest cases in Texas involve a man and woman who had traveled. The health department did not disclose the individuals condition or where they had traveled.

“We will continue to take action by identifying potential contacts and monitoring them closely,” said Dr. Umair Shah, the county’s top health official.

The announcement came a day after Texas health officials announced that a 70-year-old man in Fort Bend County, just outside Houston, had a received a “presumptive positive” test for new virus. Officials said the man had traveled abroad and that he was in stable condition.

The patient who tested positive Wednesday is a 70-year-old man from Fort Bend County (southwest of Houston) who recently returned from travelling abroad. The patient is in isolation in a hospital. He is reported to be in stable condition.

“Having a COVID-19 case in Texas is a significant development in this outbreak, but it doesn’t change the fact that the immediate risk to most Texans is low,” said Dr. John Hellerstedt, DSHS commissioner. “This travel-related case reinforces the fact that we should all be taking basic hygiene steps that are extremely effective in limiting the spread of COVID-19 and all respiratory illnesses.”

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Texas working to limit coronavirus spread

Gov. Greg Abbot said in a Tweet Wednesday about the incident: “Over the past month, the state of Texas has been preparing for this moment, and we are confident in the steps we have taken to safeguard our communities against the coronavirus.”

Abbott said Thursday there are now six laboratories in the Texas that can test for the virus.

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Research on the novel virus shows that about 80 percent of cases are mild and most people do not need hospitalization. However, older adults or people with underlying health conditions like diabetes, heart or lung disease could have greater risk of complications.

Abbott also said in a statement released by DHSH that, “The state of Texas remains in contact with our federal and local partners, and we will continue to work together to ensure Texas communities have the resources they need to respond to any additional cases of the coronavirus. Our top priority is public health and safety, and I urge all Texans to follow the preventative guidelines provided by the Department of State Health Services.”

This travel-related cases do not indicate a spread within the state, DSHS said, but state agencies and the state government will work together to limit the spread of the virus to protect Texans.

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"Protecting and preserving the health and safety of Texans is at the very core of what we do at HHS. We will do everything we can to make sure Texans have the information and resources they need to take care of themselves and their families," said Dr. Courtney N. Phillips, Texas Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner. "We have in place a comprehensive public health surveillance system to proactively identify, respond to and prevent the spread of disease, all led by the outstanding team at DSHS. Please watch our HHS social media channels and website for updates as events and circumstances warrant."

Human coronaviruses are commonly spread through coughing, sneezing or personal contact, or touching a surface with the virus and then touching one’s eyes, nose or mouth.

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DSHS said some steps everyone can take to help prevent spreading germs:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

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Find up-to-date coronavirus information at dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus, and DSHS will share information as it becomes available on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @TexasDSHS.

Claire Kowalick, a senior journalist for the Times Record News, covers local government, military and MSU Texas. If you have a news tip, contact Claire at ckowalick@gannett.com. Twitter: @KowalickNews