Updated, 8:45 p.m

The WEDCO District Health Department & Home Health Agency confirms the Kentuckian diagnosed with the commonwealth's first case of COVID-19, also known as Coronavirus, is from Harrison County.

Area health officials said they are taking all the necessary precautions to track the virus.

It's not clear where or how this person contracted the virus.

The first confirmed case of COVID-19 is a Harrison County resident. Dr. Miller, Public Health Director, is working... Posted by WEDCO District Health Department & Home Health Agency on Friday, March 6, 2020

This is a developing story. Keep checking back to wymt.com for more information.

Updated, 7:30 p.m.

Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton and Commissioner of Health Dr. Kraig Humbaugh are holding a news conference to discuss the first COVID-19 case in Kentucky.

You can watch the conference in the video below.

LIVE: Mayor Gorton holding news conference about Lexington coronavirus case #BREAKING: COVID-19 patient at UK Chandler Hospital; Mayor Gorton declares state of emergency for Lexington Read more>>https://bit.ly/2wEFtLe Posted by WKYT on Friday, March 6, 2020

The University of Kentucky released a statement, confirming the patient is in isolation at UK Chandler Hospital:

“We can confirm that we have a patient that has tested presumptive positive for COVID-19 currently in isolation at UK Chandler Hospital. 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. UK HealthCare is a nationally regarded academic medical center that is especially equipped to handle these types of illnesses. In keeping with our policies regarding privacy, no specific information about the patient is available at this time. We can confirm that the patient is not a member of the UK community.”

Original Story, 5 p.m.

Governor Andy Beshear and Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack, along with other state officials, announced the first coronavirus case in the commonwealth.

“We have been preparing and this was expected as the novel coronavirus spread throughout the world and into neighboring states,” Gov. Beshear said.

Beshear said the first case of COVID-19 in Kentucky was confirmed Friday. The person in question is being treated in isolation at a medical facility in Lexington. They are not releasing much information about the person or where he or she may have traveled from yet. 10 people have been tested at the state lab, nine have come back negative for the virus.

Beshear said he has declared a state of emergency in preparation for more potential cases, but stressed that Kentuckians should not panic. He said as long as people practice good hygiene, they should be able to go about their daily routines and not cancel any plans. He says the threat to the general population remains low.

“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.”

The Kentucky Department for Public Health began testing for the coronavirus at the state laboratory in Frankfort on Monday. This is the first positive test so far.

To protect their health, Kentuckians are encouraged to get a flu shot from the local health department or family health care provider. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home if you are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then properly dispose of it. Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces.

Beshear said the state is working with local and federal officials, including schools, emergency medical services, and others on a daily basis.