By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

In Kentucky today, Governor Andy Beshear and state leaders, including top health officials, confirmed Kentucky’s first case of COVID-19.

Image/Robert Herriman

The case is in Lexington, and the individual is in isolation at UK Chandler Hospital, according to a hospital spokesman.

“We can confirm that we have a patient that has tested presumptive positive for COVID-19 currently in isolation at UK Chandler Hospital,” UK spokesman Jay Blanton said in a written statement. “Our health care team has taken every precaution and followed the appropriate Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols to prevent exposure to other patients and caregivers.”

Gov. Beshear declared a state of emergency on Friday to ensure all state entities have the necessary resources to respond.

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“We have been preparing and this was expected as the novel coronavirus spread throughout the world and into neighboring states,” Gov. Beshear said. “We urge Kentuckians not to panic, and to continue taking precautionary steps to protect their health and that of those around them.”

“I want to make sure every resource we need we have right now,” Gov. Beshear said in declaring the state of emergency. “Everyone should be calm and know your state government will have every tool they need.”