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The Alabama Department of Public Health reported Escambia County’s first confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) late Fri. afternoon.

The Escambia County patient has not been identified and no further information about his or her health status has been released, per Alabama Department of Public Health guidelines.

The dashboard outlining all data pertaining to cases within the state of Ala. can be accessed here.

As of 5 p.m. on Friday, ADPH reported 627 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, with 4,755 tests completed and 3 deaths.

Local officials continue to urge the community to be safe and cautious. According to the City of Brewton, Mayor Yank Lovelace, city council members and other officials are in constant contact with ADPH and federal Center for Disease Control and Homeland Security officials to help keep people in Brewton safe.

For up-to-date public information on a local level, individuals are directed to “keep an eye” on the Brewton Fire Department page as Chief Jeff Salter is the point of contact.

The city of East Brewton closed all city parks on March 20 until further notice. City Hall of East Brewton is closed as well.

Most patients with COVID-19 infection have a mild respiratory illness along with fever, cough and shortness of breath.

Some have more severe symptoms that require hospitalization. Anyone experiencing symptoms should first notify his or her healthcare provider so that proper precautions can be taken.

Social distancing is the most important recommendation to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It is recommended that any gatherings of 10 or more are prohibited at this time.

Persons who are 65 years and older and those with health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, and other conditions that can weaken the immune system should limit their interactions with others since they are most at risk.

ADPH is committed to sharing up-to-date information and will maintain patient privacy when announcing confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Alabama residents.

Anyone experiencing symptoms can call the toll-free phone line that will provide information about available testing sites and hours of operation statewide at 888-264-2256.

Editor’s note: More information will be released as it is made available.