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The first case of novel coronavirus infection confirmed in Slovenia

Health Minister Aleš Šabeder said in a press release that at 20:44 the Ministry had been informed of the first positive case of novel coronavirus infection in Slovenia.

The patient came from Morocco to Slovenia via Italy. He visited his personal physician today, showing clear signs of illness, and was sent to the Clinic for Infectious Diseases at the University Medical Centre in Ljubljana, where he was tested. Test result was positive. The patient remains hospitalized at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases.

Dr. Maja Sočan from the National Institute of Public Health explained that the Institute is exploring ways to locate the site of infection. This appears to be an imported case and it is believed that the patient became infected in Morocco. »We have started with protocols and algorithms as planned. We are finding out who the patient has been in contact with and making sure that the spread of the virus is halted or kept to a minimum. Several days have passed between the patient's return to Slovenia and his hospitalization.«