The Athens City-County Health Department announced Thursday that Athens County has received its first confirmed case of the coronavirus.
The health department and the hospital are unable to release details about the patient. The individual, however, is recovering in isolation at home, according to a press release. Case investigations are also being conducted for anyone who was in close contact with the individual.
The health department believes more cases of the coronavirus will be confirmed in the county once testing increases, Health Department Director of Community Health and Engagement Ruth Dudding said in the release.
“Whether a person is confirmed or not, we need to stress social distancing and other prevention methods,” Dudding said in an email.
There are currently 704 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Ohio, and 10 people have died. Cases have been confirmed in 55 counties aside from Athens.
