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Alabama Department of Public Health has confirmed the first positive test for COVID-19 in Chambers County.

East Alabama Medical Center confirmed the patient was treated at their facility, via a statement from EAMC-Lanier Administrator Greg Nichols.

“The first COVID-19 case for Chambers County was announced this morning by the Alabama Department of Public Health.  The person did present to our Emergency Department at EAMC-Lanier a few days ago,” Nichols said. “They were screened outside and a mask was placed on them prior to being brought inside through a separate entrance for treatment and a specimen collection.  Proper infection prevention protocols were followed throughout, and the patient was discharged home and instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days.” 

No other information has been released, including the person’s age or gender as of Thursday afternoon.

Interface in West Point also confirmed an employee had tested for the coronavirus on Wednesday, but it is unclear where that employee lives or where the case factors into the numbers released by the Georgia Department of Public Health or the Alabama Department of Public Health.

County totals, both in Georgia and Alabama, are determined based on county of residence. There are two total cases in Troup County, Georgia.

As of Thursday afternoon, there were 77 total coronavirus cases in Alabama, including 34 cases in Jefferson County and 10 in Lee County.

Also on Thursday, the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) announced that an administrative employee tested positive for COVID-19.

This is the first confirmed case within the ADOC. Due to HIPAA restrictions and security concerns, the ADOC did not release the name of the individual or the facility at which they work. As of this release, there were no positive COVID-19 cases reported within the inmate population.

“All individuals within the Department who have been in direct contact with the individual who tested positive are now in self-quarantine for a 14-day period, and will be monitored by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) for signs and symptoms due to direct exposure,” the ADOC said in a press release. “Maintaining the safety, security, and well-being of our inmate population, staff, and the public remains the ADOC’s highest priority, and the Department will continue to work closely with Governor Ivey’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Task Force, the ADPH, and infectious disease control experts to take necessary precautions to mitigate any potential spread of the virus.”