One person within the Vatican has tested positive for coronavirus.
The Vatican News reported that press officer Matteo Bruni told reporters today the Vatican's outpatient healthcare services were currently being disinfected.
Earlier this week it was revealed that Pope Francis had tested negative for the virus.
The 83-year-old pontiff, who was forced to cancel a series of engagements last week amid concerns he had the illness, was given a routine test after falling ill with symptoms of a cold.
I wish to express again my closeness to those who are ill with the #coronavirus and to healthcare workers who are caring for them, as well as to civil authorities and all those involved in assisting patients and in containing the spread of the virus.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) March 6, 2020
According to Italian media, Pope Francis was given a swab test as a precaution but the results came back negative.
There had been fears the pontiff had contracted the virus after he was pictured shaking hands and kissing faces in a crowd of well-wishers in St Peter's Square.
The Vatican has stepped up measures to try and prevent an outbreak and staff have also been advised to wash their hands thoroughly and avoid people with symptoms, while visitors are being asked to avoid forming dense crowds and to shield their faces when they cough or sneeze.
Pope Francis's last full day of public engagements was on Ash Wednesday, when he appeared ill while taking part in an evening Mass.
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