Health officials have confirmed the first presumptive positive case of COVID-19 in Coconino County. It’s among 44 cases detected statewide as of Thu, March 19. KNAU’s Ryan Heinsius reports.
According to Coconino County, the person who tested positive lives in the greater Flagstaff area and is over 60 years old. Communicable disease officials are monitoring the individual who’s in home isolation, and County Health and Human Services has begun an investigation to determine if others in the area were potentially exposed to COVID-19.
Marie Peoples, deputy county manager and incident commander, says the risk of transmission in the county remains relatively low but numbers could increase.
"There are 109 tests pending, and again, with the one confirmed case and what we’re seeing across the nation, it is certainly likely that there will be additional presumed positives within our county," says Peoples.
TGen North Clinical Laboratory conducted the test and the specimen was collected from one of two drive-up sites in Flagstaff. The results will be confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A doctor’s order is needed to qualify for COVID-19 testing and collection.
Those who have symptoms like fever, cough and shortness of breath consistent with a respiratory illness should contact a healthcare provider.
More local COVID-19 information is available on the Coconino County website or by calling (928) 679-7300.
