Mayor Linda Gorton has declared a state of emergency for Lexington in the wake of Kentucky's first case of the coronavirus.

LIVE: Mayor Gorton holding news conference about Lexington coronavirus case #BREAKING: COVID-19 patient at UK Chandler Hospital; Mayor Gorton declares state of emergency for Lexington Read more>>https://bit.ly/2wEFtLe Posted by WKYT on Friday, March 6, 2020

UK Spokesman Jay Blanton says the person is being treated in isolation at UK Chandler Hospital. Blanton also confirms that the paitent is not a member of the UK community.

According to Harrison County Judge-Executive Alex Barnett, the patient is from Harrison County.

First case of COVID-19 in Harrison County Posted by WEDCO District Health Department & Home Health Agency on Friday, March 6, 2020

The University of Kentucky released this statement:

“We can confirm that we have a patient that has tested presumptive positive for COVID-19 currently in isolation at UK Chandler Hospital. Our health care team has taken every precaution and followed the appropriate Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols to prevent exposure to other patients and caregivers. UK HealthCare is a nationally regarded academic medical center that is especially equipped to handle these types of illnesses. In keeping with our policies regarding privacy, no specific information about the patient is available at this time. We can confirm that the patient is not a member of the UK community.” – Jay Blanton, UK spokesman

“There is no reason to panic," Gorton said. "There is every reason to be careful.”

Gorton urges folks to carry on with life as usual, but to take precautions.

Kentucky officials have set up a hotline for people who might have COVID-19 questions. The number is 1-800-222-1222.