Juarez reports 1st confirmed coronavirus case

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico -- Chihuahua's Health Department announced Tuesday that a 29-year-old man is the first confirmed case of coronavirus in the state.

The man arrived in Juarez on March 12 and self-quarantined. Officials said he traveled from Europe via Los Angeles.

The patient is now reported to be recovering at home under quarantine.

The agency's director, Jesus Enrique Grajeda Herrera, said the presence of COVID-19 was expected and he urged everyone to remain calm.

He also recomended limiting contact with others, suspending mass events and any non-essential activities.

"If you don't have to leave your home, don't. If you don't need to leave the city, don't," Grajeda Herrera said.

Eight others have tested negative already and the results of three more virus tests are pending, he added.