The first case of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, has been confirmed in Iceland, mbl.is reports.

An Icelandic male in his 40s has been placed in isolation at Landspítali after a sample from him proved positive for COVID-19. This was announced in a statement from the director of heath. The man is not seriously ill, but showing symptoms typical for COVID-19, that is, coughing, fever and bone aches.

It was confirmed at Landspítali after 1 pm today that the man had been infected by COVID-19.

In light of the news, and due to numerous groups of people turning ill from the virus abroad, especially in Europe, the national police commissioner, in cooperation with the chief of epidemiology, will enact a state of alert at the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management.

The man, who was diagnosed, was recently in northern Italy, outside the defined risk area for the virus. Efforts at tracing how he contracted the virus are being made in order to determine who else might be at risk of infection.

The Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management and the chief of epidemiology called for a press conference at 4 pm.

People who notice symptoms of illness and who have potentially been exposed to the virus, for example due to travel in risk areas, are encouraged to call the number 1700 to receive instructions on how to proceed. If you’re calling from a foreign number, dial +354 544-4113.