https://ktvo.com/news/local/jefferson-county-officials-ask-residents-to-take-virus-seriously Jefferson County has first COVID-19 case; officials ask residents to take virus seriously by KTVO News DeskThursday, April 2nd 2020 FAIRFIELD, Iowa — Jefferson County has its first confirmed case of coronavirus.
Jefferson County Public Health Administrator Chris Estle made the announcement at press conference this morning. Estle said the individual was between the ages of 18-40 and is self-isolating at home. Estle said that the county has been monitoring several individuals who have been presenting symptoms over the past few weeks. For the Jefferson County officials, the number of confirmed cases in Jefferson County misses the point. The virus is present, will likely spread, and the community needs to take the mitigation measures seriously. But the Jefferson County Hospital CEO said panic isn't necessary, but that it's inappropriate to say that the virus is nothing to be concerned about. Estle asked the community to stop trying to guess the identity of infected individuals. She said that any guess is likely wrong and that misinformation only hurts the effort to fight the virus. Fairfield Mayor Connie Boyer says if you want to help, treat your daily life like there is already a shelter-in-place order for the state.
