The two most recent patients with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Whitman County are an 18 to 44-year-old female and an 18 to 44-year-old male, according to a press release from the Whitman County Emergency Operations Center.

Health officials are investigating close contacts of the individuals, according to the report. 

There are 10 positive patients in Whitman County as of April 1. At least 222 people have tested negative, according to the Whitman County Health Department website. 

Health officials have changed age groupings to align with the Washington State Department of Health’s daily report.

Health officials do not plan to release patients’ city of residence, according to a separate press release from Whitman County EOC.

Due to lack of widespread testing, health officials believe COVID-19 has been spreading in Whitman County communities for some time, according to the press release. 

It is prudent for people to practice social distancing with the assumption COVID-19 is already in their communities, according to the press release.