Governor Asa Hutchinson announced earlier today that there has been a confirmed case of the Coronavirus in Pine Bluff and the patient is currently in isolation.

The governor also declared a public health emergency because of coronavirus, which has infected more than 1,000 people in the United States and killed at least 30.

The patient had traveled out of state recently but had no known international travel, the governor said.

Deltaplex News is currently working to contact local school districts, universities, and other public officials in order to get information on any plans that are in place. We have received the following statement from Jefferson Regional, where the patient is currently in isolation:

It has been determined that we have one patient in our main facility with a “presumptive positive” case of COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is currently working to confirm this case. The patient is receiving excellent care, and we are following all CDC and other prevention guidelines to protect patients, visitors and employees.

The risk is low for those who have not had direct contact with this patient. Out of an abundance of caution, we are limiting access to our facility. We ask that all visitors enter through our main 40th Avenue entrance or through our Emergency Department. All other entrances will be closed. You will be screened upon entering for fever and will be required to have the name of the patient you are visiting.

We are committed to provide our community with current and accurate information as it becomes available.

Jefferson Regional held a press conference at 2 p.m. to discuss the protocol being followed at the hospital and more. You can hear the press conference below.