First case of coronavirus in Franklin County confirmed

Franklin County Public Health has confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in Franklin County.

The department on Sunday issued a release stating that an individual in the 41 to 60 years old age range tested positive for coronavirus and has been self isolating at home.

Ashley Roberts, Franklin County Public Health Director, reminded citizens to continue to wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds at a time, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow and to stay home when ill.

“While this is Franklin County’s first case, it may not be the last, and that’s why we encourage all residents to continue to make prevention a priority,” said Roberts in the release.

The release stated that 80 percent of Iowans infected with COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate illness. Those most mildly ill do not need to go to their healthcare provider or to be tested - they are merely asked to stay home and isolate themselves from others in their homes.

Those in isolation due to sickness are advised to stay isolated until fever free for 72 hours without the use of a fever reducing medicine, until all symptoms have improved and until seven days have passed since symptoms first appeared.

Those who think they may need medical care are encouraged to call healthcare providers first and the provider will determine if a visit is necessary or recovery can be done at home, the release said.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the Iowa Department of Public Health website at idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus and follow IDPH on Facebook and Twitter.