TOWSON, MD—Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch, the director of the Baltimore County Department of Health and Human Services, has tested positive for coronavirus.

Dr. Branch was tested at a county clinic after he recently experienced a mild cough and throat irritation that affected his speech, according to The Baltimore Sun.

“All of us in Baltimore County are praying for a full and quick recovery for Dr. Branch after learning he has tested positive for COVID-19,” said County Executive Johnny Olszewski on Thursday. “From the beginning, he has been ably leading the County’s response to the crisis and I am grateful for his ongoing service.”

“As Dr. Branch has said, this is another stark reminder that we are all at risk and must take every precaution to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe,” Olszewski added.