UPDATE: A second positive case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Blaine County

UPDATED: 9:26 p.m.

South Central Public Health has confirmed a second case of COVID-19 in a female patient over the age of 70 in Blaine County. The district says she is currently hospitalized and recovering. The point of transmission is still under investigation. This is now 2 cases of COVID-19 confirmed by health officials in Blaine County. Earlier today South Central Public Health announced it's first confirmed case of COVID-19 in a female patient over the the age 50 who is recovering from mild symptoms and in self-isolation at home.

ORIGINAL: 2:24 P.M.

The Executive Director of the South Central Public Health District Melody Bowyer announced in a joint-press conference with the Blaine County Commissioners Idaho's second confirmed case of novel coronavirus in Idaho.

KMVT's Jake Brasil was in attendance and streamed the conference via Facebook Live.

"Yesterday evening the state public health lab notified us of our first lab confirmed COVID-19 case in Blaine County" Bowyer continued "This is also our second confirmed case in Idaho."

Bowyer said they initiated their investigation late Friday night, and that the patient is following the directive of public health officials to self-isolate at home.

The Public Health Director for South Central Public Health Logan Hudson said the patient was tested by a local provider in Blaine County which was sent to the state lab.

"We immediately reached out to the individual and their provider." Logan Hudson said. "She was mild to moderately ill. Not ill enough to be hospitalized thankfully, and at home."

Hudson said health officials are investigating the patients close contacts for exposure, and currently officials don't believe any businesses or schools in the area have anymore risk than they were yesterday.

While the investigation is still in it's preliminary stages, it has revealed the patient traveled out-of-state, 2 weeks prior to showing symptoms. And that once she began showing symptoms, she began self-isolating, according to a press release.

"Her physician's office was prepared and wearing proper protective gear then the individual was evaluated. Her movement is history is closely being evaluated."

Hudson said health officials in Twin Falls, are currently collecting more information, and they will notify the public if their health is at risk.

"I want to be very clear if we ever learn of a location here in Blaine County or people who are at risk at some point we will notify those people immediately," Hudson said.

Bowyer stressed that's important the public know public health officials are trained and prepared to respond to these situations. And that the community remain calm, and continue to work together during this time.

"I call on our residents to help us in the fight against coronavirus, with cool heads, and compassionate hearts" Bowyer said.

Josh Jensen, public health manager, told KMVT's Jake Brasil following the conference that health officials do expect more cases to be confirmed in Idaho, and it's important for the public to continue to take precautionary steps to avoid all respiratory diseases such as staying home when sick, avoiding sick people, washing their hands, and practicing social distancing by between yourself and others.

Health officials recommend that if Idahoans believe their showing symptoms of coronavirus that they contact their healthcare provider to discuss their options.

The South Central Public Health District has extended the hours for their information hotline for Sunday. The hotline can be reached at (208) 737-1138 between the hours 1-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information about the novel coronavirus and the current number of confirmed cases COVID-19 cases you're encouraged to visit

For more information from health officials in south central Idaho you can visit

ORIGINAL STORY

The South Central Public Health District and Blaine County Commissioners are holding a joint press conference at the county court house at 1 p.m. to announce new information about COVID-19 investigation, according to a press release.

Little information is currently available about what exactly the press conference will entail. KMVT's Jake Manuel Brasil will be there and have the details to come.