DANVILLE, Va. – A Danville man has tested positive for coronavirus.

Health officials said that man in his 40s and remains hospitalized, following exposure to a known positive coronavirus case elsewhere in Virginia. His is the first confirmed COVID-19 case in the Pittsylvania-Danville Health District.

To protect patient privacy, the identity of the man will not be provided.

Sovah Health said in a statement Sunday morning that it can confirm that a patient at its Danville campus has tested positive for COVID-19. That patient is in isolation at Sovah Health – Danville.

“We are continuing to work closely with the Pittsylvania-Danville Health District and the Virginia Department of Health and following guidance from the CDC to ensure the safety of our patients, the clinical teams who have been caring for this patient and all those within our facility,” the statement said. “Our hospital is prepared with the appropriate plans to detect, protect and respond. We have been preparing for the potential of COVID-19 in our community for several weeks, building upon the robust emergency operations plan we have in place year-round.”

Mayor Alonzo Jones said he was saddened, but not surprised when he heard the news.

“We knew it was just a matter of time before there would be a confirmed case in our area,” Mayor Jones said. “This brings home the importance of practicing social distancing, frequent hand washing, and disinfecting high traffic areas.”

Bob Warren the chairman of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors, released the following statement:

“Pittsylvania County is disheartened to hear of the first confirmed COVID-19 case in Danville. We ask our community to continue to be vigilant in social distancing, hand-washing and sanitation.”

Gov. Ralph Northam said Sunday that there have been 3 deaths and 67 new coronavirus cases confirmed in Virginia. The total number of cases now stands at 219 in Virginia.