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Coronavirus
As a new strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) swept through the world in 2020, preparedness plans, masking policies and more public policy changed just as quickly. WVXU has covered the pandemic's impact on the Tri-State from the very beginning, when on March 3, 2020, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine barred spectators from attending the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus over concerns about the virus, even though Ohio had yet to confirm a single case of COVID-19.

Indiana, Kentucky Confirm Cases Of COVID-19

Eric Holcomb
Michael Conroy
/
AP
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb.

Updated 5:18 p.m.

Health officials have announced the first coronavirus cases in Indiana and Kentucky. 

Indiana announced the news Friday morning; Kentucky, later that evening.

Indiana's Case

Indiana's adult patient is from Marion County, which is home to Indianapolis. He traveled to Boston for an event and is now being isolated. His case is reportedly mild and he's an otherwise healthy individual.

Gov. Eric Holcomb is declaring a public health emergency.

The patient had little contact with others. Community North, the hospital the patient is at, took special precautions to prevent air in his room from circulating to other patients' rooms. 

"At this time, we do not see any evidence of any spread of this," Dr. Ramaroa Yeleti said. 

Kentucky's Case

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear says someone in Lexington has been diagnosed with coronavirus. They are being treated in isolation, and Beshear declined to give other details, according to WFPL. So far, 10 people have been tested in the Bluegrass State. 

What's Happening In Ohio

Meanwhile, the Ohio Department of Health now has a call center for coronavirus questions. It's open daily from 9 am to 8 p.m. at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

Senior Editor and reporter at WVXU with more than 20 years experience in public radio; formerly news and public affairs producer with WMUB. Would really like to meet your dog.