OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. (WXYZ) — The first in-state test for the coronavirus has come back negative, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
The specimen, which was from an Oakland County resident, was received and tested Saturday at the MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories.
“I am pleased that the process for testing at our state laboratory is working well, and that we were able to get this result within hours,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health with the MDHHS. “While the current risk to the general public in the U.S. is low, we expect to see more cases, including cases where we are uncertain of the source of their infection. We encourage everyone to continue to practice good hygiene by washing hands often, covering coughs and sneezes appropriately, and staying home if they are ill."
On Saturday, President Trump elevated the country's travel advisory for areas in South Korea and Italy most impacted by the virus. Entrance into the United States is also restricted for foreign nationals who have traveled to Iran within the last 14 days.
The Centers for Disease Control continues to say the risk of contracting coronavirus in the U.S. remains low. So far, there have been 22 cases of the coronavirus in the country, with one death.
