NOBLE COUNTY, Ind. (WPTA21) - The first case of the COVID-19 variation of coronavirus in northeast Indiana involves a patient at Parkview Noble Hospital.

ABC21 has confirmed with the chief health officer for Noble County that a "presumptive positive" test result was received late Sunday.

Dr. Terry Gaff said the patient was tested after showing symptoms consistent with the disease.

A swab was taken at the hospital and sent to a lab in Indianapolis, where all testing for the state is now conducted.

The individual -- who was not officially identified by name, age or gender -- had visited a medical office or offices before being referred to Parkview Noble.

ABC21 has learned that some employees at a Parkview FirstCare Walk-In Clinic were notified by text message that a patient there has tested positive.

The message reads, in part: "Out of an abundance of caution the clinic will be closed until further notice for deep cleaning. Please don't report to work (Monday) morning."

It notes that the clinic visit took place on March 1.

ABC21 crews said the office was closed and cleaning crews were on site Monday.

The patient who tested positive is now in isolation at the hospital.

Health officials have begun contacting those who may have associated with the patient during the time of the illness.

Officials with the East Noble School Corporation learned of the development and responded with a notice to families and staff Monday morning.

The superintendent there said that the district was aware of the matter and that the individual who was diagnosed "does not have any school age children and does not live in Kendallville or our district."

Ann Linson said she is in contact with the Department of Health and that officials there were not advising that schools be closed.

ABC21 spoke with a representative of Congressman Jim Banks (R-Columbia City), who said his office was working to gather additional information.

Shortly after our inquiry, Banks released a statement that reads:

“Our office has become aware that an individual at Parkview Noble Hospital has been diagnosed with COVID-19. We’ve also learned that the East Noble School Corporation learned of the development and notified families and staff this morning that the infected individual does not have school age children.

“As such, my office reached out to Parkview Health, the Noble County Health Department and East Noble School Corporation. We’ve requested regular updates on the new coronavirus case and offered any assistance our office can provide.”

Meanwhile, residents are coming to grips with the new developments in their backyard.

Diana Silva drove down from Ligonier to the Kendallville walk-in clinic for an appointment Monday, only to find it was shut down.

She doesn't know a lot about the novel coronavirus, but while she is not fearful, she does have a healthy respect for the threat.

"It makes me worried, you know, it's close," Silva said.

"We don't know what kind of potential exposure is out there, but certainly this virus is pretty communicable," said Steve Garbacz, the editor of the local newspaper called the News Sun.

He's seeing no sign of panic among residents, but he is aware that some townspeople are stocking up on essentials, just in case.

"We talked to some of my reporters, some of the stores have already been cleaned out all ahead of this, I can only assume that would get worse," Garbacz said.

Over the weekend, the second and third confirmed cased of COVID-19 were reported in Indiana. The first -- involving a Marion County patient -- was reported on Friday.

The Centers for Disease Control and prevention maintains a page with detailed and accurate information regarding COVID-19.

Stay with ABC21 for developments throughout the day.

See all related Coronavirus reporting here