A Chittenden County man in his 70s has tested positive for COVID-19, Vermont health officials on Wednesday — the second case in the state. The man was being treated at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, according to a press release.

State health officials were investigating the man's exposure history and identifying people who were in close contact with him. Those people will be assessed and given guidance as to whether they should self-isolate, according to the Vermont Department of Health.

“We are, first and foremost hopeful for this gentleman’s recovery,” Vermont Health Commissioner Mark Levine said in a statement, noting that the man's diagnosis was confirmed on the same day that the World Health Organization deemed the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic.

“The seriousness of this virus and the rate it is spreading in the U.S. and around the world reinforces the importance of everyone staying informed and following CDC guidance about avoiding crowds, non-essential travel, and other recommended steps for protecting your health and preventing germs from spreading,” Levine said.

The case was announced less than a week after the state's first, which was confirmed in Bennington County on March 7.
The health department is urging Vermonters to visit its website for up-to-date information about COVID-19.