First COVID-19 case in Stephens County

Updated:

Stephens County health officials have confirmed the county's first case of COVID-19. In a morning press conference on Friday, April 3, Stephens Memorial Hospital District confirmed that a male individual tested positive for the virus.

“...we have had our first positive COVID-19 test this morning,” Christy Begeman, Chief Nursing Officer of SMH said. “It is an elderly gentleman that has been home, has not required hospitalization... He is fairly active in the community, but he has been home since the test was taken and has isolated for the last 14 days...”

The hospital will set up a triage for phone calls from individuals concerned or having symptoms of COVID-19.

The triage will be conducted by a registered nurse and will assist citizens with questions about symptoms, and helping citizens decided if they need to visit the hospital.

“...We’ve planned for this day. This is why we got out in front of this early on is because we knew in our local community it was so important to treat this as the real threat that it is,” County Judge Michael Roach said. “So, we just want you to remain calm. All of things that we are doing are for your protection...”

The hospital is not allowing visitors, but nurses will visit citizens' vehicles to inform individuals of the health of loved ones.

Concerned individuals can call 254-559-2241 ext. 1315 to speak with a registered nurse about questions and symptoms.

Original story:

The first case of COVID-19 in Stephens County was confirmed Friday morning by Christy Begeman, Chief Nursing Officer of Stephens Memorial Hospital.

In a Facebook live video, Stephens County Judge Michael Roach, City Manager Andy McCuistion, Mayor Bob Sims and staff members from SMH gathered to make the announcement.

Begeman provided some details on the subject, stating that the results came in early Friday morning and the patient is an elderly gentleman who has been at home in isolation for the last 14 days.

The Breckenridge American is working on more details of this story. Updates will be available on this page.