The first positive case of 2019 novel coronavirus in Dallas County has been confirmed.

In a press conference held Saturday evening, Governor Kim Reynolds announced the Iowa Department of Public Health was informed of the additional case this afternoon, bringing the state’s total to 18. The person confirmed to have COVID-19 is a Dallas County resident between the ages of 61 and 80.

Governor Reynolds stated that with this new case the department of public health has now determined COVID-19 to have community spread in the state. Community spread is when someone has been infected but public health cannot determine the source of the infection, unlike the confirmed cases in eastern Iowa that were linked to an Egypt cruise. Reynolds recommends that gatherings of 250 people or more should not be held or attended at this time. Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you more information as it becomes official.