Dr. Michael Saag, a physician in the UAB Division of Infectious Disease, has tested positive for COVID-19 after being exposed to the virus on a family visit in New York City.

A release from the University of Alabama at Birmingham said Saag wanted his case to be told as an example of the need for “aggressive social distancing.”

Social distancing is the practice of keeping six feet between yourself and other people. It is the primary way health care advocates are advising people to protect themselves from COVID-19, along with stringent hand washing and staying isolated if you have any symptoms that could be a sign of the virus, such as a dry cough with fever or trouble breathing.

Saag has been a leader in research into HIV, another aggressive virus, and founded UAB’s 1917 Clinic. He is director of the UAB Center for AIDS Research and a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS.

The release stated that UAB is working with health department officials to identify and notify anyone who may have been exposed. It did not provide information on his condition.