This content is being provided for free as a public service to our readers during the coronavirus outbreak. Please support local journalism by subscribing to The St. Cloud Times here.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has confirmed Minnesota’s first presumptive case of novel coronavirus, COVID-19, health officials announced today.

The case is an older Ramsey County resident who recently traveled on a cruise ship with a known COVID-19 case, according to a statement from the Minnesota Department of Health.

The patient began to show symptoms Feb. 25 and sought health care Thursday.

Tests performed at the Minnesota Department of Health were positive for the novel coronavirus. The federal Centers for Disease Control will do follow-up testing.

The patient is in isolation at home and is recovering.

MDH is working to identify and contact anyone who may have had contact with the infected person. They people will be asked to quarantine themselves for 14 days from their exposure and will be monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms.

“The State of Minnesota has been working around the clock to prepare for this and I am confident that our Department of Health is up to the challenge,” Gov. Tim Walz said.

A hotline for the public is open until 8 p.m. Friday, and it will be open 9 a.m.-4:30 pm. Saturday and Sunday at 651-201-3920.

As of 3 p.m. Friday, MDH had tested 49 samples from suspected cases of COVID-19. All but one were negative.

ST. CLOUD PREP: Are we at risk? St. Cloud clinics, schools prepare for possible coronavirus outbreak

Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm said the appearance of the virus in Minnesota was expected.

"It is critical that all of us do our part to slow the spread of this virus by covering coughs, washing hands, and staying home when sick with cold or flu-like symptoms," she said. "We also need to prepare for community mitigation measures like telework arrangements and temporary school closures should they become necessary.”

State and local public health authorities could consider, if the virus becomes widespread, temporary closures of child care facilities and schools, recommending telework, and modifying, postponing or cancelling large gatherings. Those decisions would be made by state and local officials based on CDC guidance, taking the scope of the outbreak into consideration.

HOAX TEXT: Viral coronavirus text spreads false rumor of St. Cloud case - and sexual images

Since the outbreak started in China in December 2019, more than 100,000 cases and 3,400 deaths have been reported in more than 80 countries. That total includes 233 U.S. cases and 14 deaths as of this morning.

What you need to know about COVID-19

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes or when people touch contaminated surfaces then touch their eyes, nose or mouth.

To help prevent its spread:

Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or into your sleeve, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes, nose and mouth ‑ with unwashed hands.

Stay home if you have cold or flu-like symptoms

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

More information about the coronavirus situation in Minnesota, the U.S. and internationally can be found on MDH’s coronavirus website.

This is a developing story; please check back for updates.