Berkeley reports first case of coronavirus

A photo provided by Elizabeth R. Fischer/National Institute of Allergy and Infection DiseasesÕ Rocky Mountain Laboratories, a coronavirus sample collected from one of the first cases in the United States. Because this coronavirus is so new, expertsÕ understaing of how it spreads is limited. less A photo provided by Elizabeth R. Fischer/National Institute of Allergy and Infection DiseasesÕ Rocky Mountain Laboratories, a coronavirus sample collected from one of the first cases in the United States. ... more Photo: Elizabeth R. Fischer/national Institute Of Allergy And Infection Diseases’ Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NYT Photo: Elizabeth R. Fischer/national Institute Of Allergy And Infection Diseases’ Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NYT Image 1 of / 32 Caption Close Berkeley reports first case of coronavirus 1 / 32 Back to Gallery

The city of Berkeley announced its first known case of coronavirus Tuesday.

A resident tested positive for COVID-19 after returning to Berkeley on Feb. 23. City officials say they believe that the resident came into contact with the virus while traveling, though they did not disclose the location of that trip.

The resident is said to have "largely stayed at home in a voluntary self-imposed quarantine," but local health officials are investigating if he or she came into contact with others who now may be at risk.

"While the risk of infection remains low, the expanded presence of the virus in our community is a reality we should all prepare for," said Dr. Lisa Hernandez, the city's health officer, in a statement. "There are steps that all of us in the community can take now to improve basic hygiene and also prepare for a wider spread in the future."

Hernandez suggested following all the usual precautions: washing hands frequently, avoid touching your face, and staying home if you feel sick while you contact a health care professional.

Berkeley's announcement comes just after Santa Clara County announced its 11th confirmed case. That brings the total number of known Californians infected with COVID-19 to 44.

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Alix Martichoux is an SFGATE digital editor. Read her latest stories and send her news tips at alix.martichoux@sfgate.com.