By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com

ALABAMA — On Friday morning, Governor Kay Ivey confirmed the first case of COVID-19, known more commonly as coronavirus, in the State of Alabama.

In a press conference, State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris stated the person was located in Montgomery County and had traveled out of state to an area where community spreading had been occurring.

Harris also stated that the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) had been expecting to find a case of COVID-19 sooner rather than later and that recommendations provided by ADPH regarding hygiene and avoiding large groups still remain the most effective way to combat community spread.

Southern Torch will continue to report on this developing story.