Adult in St. Joseph County tests positive for COVID-19

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- The St. Joseph County Department of Health confirmed there is one case of COVID-19 in the county.

The announcement was made during a press conference at the IU School of Medicine on the Notre Dame campus Wednesday afternoon,

Officials said the adult male patient drove to a local health facility and someone met him in the parking lot to carry out the testing - in order to reduce exposure to others.

The results of that test came back positive on Wednesday.

The patient is currently in isolation at his home, officials said, and will remain there until further notice.

Officials said the patient had close contact with another Indiana resident who was diagnosed with COVID-19 earlier this week.

Public health nurses are working to identify people the patient may have come into contact with other the last few days.

Officials recommend if you are feelings symptoms to self-quarantine.

However, if you have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or if you could have exposure due to travel getting tested is recommended.

"There are about 900 tests available throughout the state of Indiana," estimates Saint Joseph County Health Officer, Mark Fox.

Fox goes on to say that officials are following a strict protocol by allocating those tests to those who have a confirmed case or were exposed due to travel.

To find the current figures of how many people have been tested throughout Indiana and the number of confirmed cases, visit the Indiana Department of Health's website.

As of right now, schools are not canceled.

People who are sick or elderly are asked to avoid large gatherings.

Everyone is encouraged to stop shaking hands and keep up to 6-feet between you and other people to prevent possible exposure.

The Saint Joseph County Health Department says they will be holding weekly briefings to provide updates.