CHENANGO –Tuesday, the Chenango County Department of Health confirmed the first case of the coronavirus in the area.

Public Health Director Marcas W. Flindt said the department had alerted area officials Tuesday morning that a Chenango County resident had been diagnosed with COVID-19.

Flindt said the patient began feeling ill about three days ago and sought out a doctor. Last week the health department told the public to prepare for an eventual case. Flindt said more cases were expected in the coming weeks.

He encouraged more local testing and said county and medical organizations were working to implement that.

According to Flindt, as of Tuesday afternoon, New York State had confirmed 950 cases of the virus.

Read more in Wednesday's Evening Sun.