BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Kern County Public Health Services Department confirmed two Kern County residents tested positive for coronavirus.

Public health said they are considering these new two cases the first to hit the county, since the patient that was announced on Tuesday was not a resident of Kern.

Public health said it is investigating potential exposure sources and any contacts these patients may have had.

“With these two identified cases, it is a good reminder for our community to continue their efforts and diligence to practice good hygiene and stay home when you are sick,” said Matt Constantine, Director of Public Health.

During a press conference Thursday, Constantine said they cannot release any other information regarding the patients due to privacy laws. He said, however, as they investigate where these patients visited in Kern County, if they feel the information is relevant they will release those locations.

"Community transmission may be likely now that we've seen these cases," he said. "We still have research to do, but these two cases show that the disease is here and that the potential for community-wide spread exists."

Now that the county is able to test patients, Constantine said at this time they have 123 tests pending and 76 tests that have come back negative.