INDIANAPOLIS (WLFI) — The Indiana State Department of Health announced Friday the state has its first case of coronavirus. According to an ISDH press release, the individual is a Marion County resident with a recent history of travel to Boston.
Gov. Eric Holcomb has issued a public health emergency.
“With the help of our federal, state and local partners, Indiana is responding to this case as we have planned and prepared for weeks,” Gov. Holcomb said. “The Hoosier who has been diagnosed has taken responsible steps to stay isolated.”
State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG, said the adult patient has been in quarantine since arriving back in Indianapolis and that the risk to the general public is low. The CDC is working to identify and notify air travelers who were on the individual’s flight from Boston.
The Tippecanoe County Health Department issued a public health alert Wednesday, saying there was no need to panic, but to be prepared. Health officials said there have been people tested for the coronavirus in the county. As of Wednesday, they said the number is in the single digits.
Purdue President Mitch Daniels said no students have been infected, however, one faculty member was in quarantine Thursday afternoon.
West Lafayette Community School Corporation said a parent of a student at the Jr./Sr. High School was being quarantined.
This story will be updated.
