MARQUETTE — The Luce, Mackinac, Alger, Schoolcraft District Health Department announced its first positive case of COVID-19 this afternoon. This is the first confirmed case in the four-county district.

The LMAS District Health Department was made aware of the case today. The positive case was identified through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Laboratory testing, a press release from the health department states.

The LMAS District Health Department believes the risk to the general public to be low at this time. The department is following the current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance regarding case investigation and will follow-up with anyone who has been identified as a close contact. They will be assessed for symptoms and monitored appropriately.

The health department urges the community to continue to cooperate with recommendations to keep yourself and others safe. This includes following the executive order instituted earlier this week from Governor Whitmer to “Stay Home, Stay Safe” and implement social distancing. Residing person-to-person contact is the best way to slow and reduce the spread of this novel virus which the population has no immunity to.

People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to safely recover at home. If symptoms worsen, call a medical care provider prior to your visit.

COVID-19 symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. To prevent the spread of the virus people should wash their hands properly, avoid close contact with sick people and disinfect commonly touched surfaces.

More information can be found at LMASDHD.org and michigan.gov/coronavirus.