The first area resident to contract COVID-19 had recently traveled out of state, said local health officials as they announced the disease’s presence in Lincoln County on March 25.

County health department officials released notification of the positive test result to the public about 8:20 p.m. The individual is described as in their 70s. No other information about the patient was immediately provided.

County Health Officer Dr. Brad Black praised local first responders and medical professionals, saying they were ready for the first case of a disease that has spread across the globe.

“At this time, all indications are that our EMS and hospital personnel were well prepared for this event,” he said. “We feel confident that our medical personnel used appropriate personal protective equipment and were able to minimize potential exposure.”

The case remains under investigation by health department personnel.

Anyone with questions regarding COVID-19 is urged to call the county’s information hotline at 406-293-6295.*

*An earlier phone number provided by the Health Department was incorrect.