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Gov. Hogan, Health Officials Monitor Coronavirus Situation; Maryland Patient Tests Negative For Coronavirus

ANNAPOLIS, MD. (WJZ) —  So far, one person in Maryland has met the criteria to test for coronavirus and on Thursday, state health officials reported the person tested negative for the virus.

That person, who had a travel record, was being held in isolation and had flu-like symptoms.

Governor Larry Hogan said the Maryland Department of Health has issued guidance to Maryland physicians and is coordinating with Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport on protocols for incoming flights.

"Our administrations first and most important priority is to keep Marylanders safe," Hogan said.

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Meanwhile, local health departments are working with colleges throughout the state. The Maryland Department of Health is also closely monitoring the situation both in the U.S. and in China.

Gov. Hogan reiterated there is no need for immediate concern.

"While there is no need for immediate concern, we are taking this issue very seriously, and we encourage Marylanders to stay informed." He said in part in a statement.

Health officials said the coronavirus has symptoms just like the flu, which is what patients should be looking out for.

"Let me stress this is the time of year where viruses are circulating," Fran Phillips, of the Maryland Department of Health, said. "So the steps that we take to protect ourselves now would be the same steps that we would take in specific for this coronavirus."

So far, there's been at least five confirmed cases in the US and at least 92 other patients being tested.

This story was updated on Jan. 30 

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