AVILLA — The Noble County Health Department confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have been reported at the Sacred Heart Home long-term care facility in Noble County, including the first death in the county.

“We know that people older than 60 with underlying health conditions are most at risk during this pandemic,” said Dr. Terry Gaff, Noble County health officer. “We ask that everyone join in our efforts to protect these vulnerable people by not visiting long-term care facilities, but rather using other options, such as offering residents access to mobile devices to continue virtual contact with loved ones through email or video-call applications.”

No further information about the patients will be released due to privacy laws.

The county’s health department is working closely with state and federal officials to implement infection control protocols to prevent further spread within the facility.