RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam says the state is prepared, if and when there is a confirmed case of coronavirus. So far, the closest case has been in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The state health department says  17 people have been tested for the novel virus – 14 were negative, three still have results pending, including two in central Virginia.

State Director of Finance Aubrey Lane said it will cost Virginia $3.6 million over the next 90 days for personal protection equipment. Another $6.5 million could be required over the next year.

Gov. Northam says this is a time to be prepared, not panic. He said state health officials “are actively monitoring this new disease and its spread” on a daily basis and have been since January.

The virus that emerged in China late last year has infected more than 95,000 people in more than 80 countries. Most of the 3,200 deaths have been in China.

Virginia health officials briefed the press Wednesday on the commonwealth’s preparedness for a possible coronavirus outbreak.