TAZEWELL, Va (WVVA) Saturday evening, the Virginia Department of Health confirmed two cases of COVID-19 in Tazewell County. Prior to the confirmed cases, the Board of Supervisors declared a state of emergency to take steps in preparing for the virus.

Board Chairman Charlie Stacy says, "This is unfortunate but not unexpected. We all hoped our communities would be spared but knew it was merely a matter of time." Stacy, along with the board, continues to ask residents to practice social distancing, frequent hand washing, and limit interaction with others.

The board's actions will now be helping the Department of Health control the spread within the county.

County Administrator, Eric Young, reminds the public they have been working as if the virus has already been in the county. "For the time begin we are not conducting any emergency operations based on these first known cases."

The press release states, VDH is working to identify and notify those who've been in contact with the infected persons in the last 14 days.

On Monday, March 30, the Board of Supervisors will meet at 2 p.m. to discuss emergency action, if any will be taken. Public attendance is limited to telephone due to public gathering restrictions.