Hospital staff who treated the Lewis County patient were wearing personal protective equipment and do not have to go into isolation or quarantine, Querin said. They would only be tested for COVID-19 only if they show symptoms, he said.

With news of the disease coming closer to home, TDN asked readers to comment online about their views and how they are adjusting. In the smattering of responses so far, some readers said they are doing nothing differently in response to the virus spread and related restrictions, while others are taking more extensive precautions.

Laurrie Piland said she and her husband are in the high-risk category due to health problems and are “not venturing far from our yard.” She said they were already stocked up on most items, except medications.

“It is a change of our normal routine, but change is always a bit uncomfortable, at first,” Piland said. “We’re are managing just fine for now.”

Other commenters were worried about job losses and the impact on the economy.