UPDATE 5:40 P.M. SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL)- Dr. Stephen May, Regional Medical Director for the Sullivan County Regional Health Department, said the elderly male with coronavirus in Sullivan County has self-quarantined.

Dr. May said in an interview Tuesday, “there is no evidence of community spread…the patient has already been in self-isolation.”

It was also revealed, “When they came back to the United States they had developed symptoms and as such, we went ahead and conducted testing.”

While Dr. May would not specify what country the person traveled from, he did say it is a country that has confirmed cases of COVID-19.

“At the present time, no, there is no risk to the schools and there is no community spread, ” Dr. May said.

Update: The Sullivan Co. Health Dept. says the confirmed case is an older man who traveled internationally and is self-quarantined at home and recovering. No evidence of "community spread". It's the 7th case in Northeast TN. — Josh Smith (@JoshSmithWJHL) March 10, 2020

Dr. May did confirm the patient “is improving.”

_______________________________________________

PREVIOUS STORY:

SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL)- Sullivan County Regional Health Department officials announced Tuesday that Sullivan County has its first case of coronavirus COVID-19.

A release issued Tuesday said, “A laboratory test conducted by Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) has produced the positive result.”

Officials also said in that release, “Protecting the health of Sullivan County is our top priority. SCRHD officials are working to identify people who may have had close contact with the confirmed case…Anyone who feels they need to seek medical care should be sure to contact their medical provider in advance with their concerns, to ensure the provider is forewarned of their arrival. Citizens may call Sullivan County Regional Health Department at 423-279-2777 or the State Hotline at 877-857-2945.”

This is a developing story. Stay with WJHL on-air and on WJHL.com for the latest developments.

You can find complete coronavirus coverage on our website HERE.