On a day when the state health department is announcing 17 new cases of COVID-19 in Indiana, Wayne County is announcing its first positive case.

Wayne County Health Officer David Jetmore says the patient is hospitalized.  He says the county health department is operating under “the belief that there is an unknown number of people in Wayne County who have the virus and are unable to be tested.”

Read More: Likely More Than 60,000 Hoosiers Have COVID-19, Says State Health Director

Wayne County officials are also reiterating guidelines that are coming from national and state officials – healthy people may only feel mild symptoms, but can be “highly infectious.”  They say staying at home if you have any symptoms is the best way to protect the community.

READ MORE: What Do You Need To Know About Coronavirus? We’ve Got Answers.

What Can You Do?

From the Wayne County Health Department – the best way to protect yourself from any respiratory illness, including the flu, is to:

* Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
* Avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with people who are sick.
* Stay home when you are sick.
* Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
* Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
* The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it. A face mask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms to protect others from the risk of infection.