A woman from Androscoggin County is the state's first "presumptive positive" case of COVID-19, according to state health officials.

The information was released during a Thursday news conference at the State House in Augusta. The woman, in her 50s, is quarantined in her home, and state health officials say they are in contact with her health care provider.

A "presumptive positive" test means the person tested positive "at a state, reference, or commercial laboratory, but results are pending confirmation at US CDC."

“The Maine CDC has been preparing for this eventuality since the end of last year," Gov. Janet Mills said. “With one presumptive positive case, Maine has a unique window of opportunity to delay an outbreak, like those we see in other states, and to minimize our exposure.”

Maine CDC director Dr. Nirav Shah said health officials have tested 66 people, 65 of whom tested negative. There are 20 people whose tests are still pending.

The Androscoggin County woman's test sample will be sent to the U.S. CDC for confirmation. Test results on other individuals are pending. Maine CDC will inform the public if positive tests are confirmed and will offer regular updates on testing recommendations. Positive test results will be posted to Maine CDC’s coronavirus webpage.

At the news conference, Gov. Janet Mills also advised the cancellation of any large, indoor gatherings with more than 250 people to help discourage the spread of COVID-19.

For more information on COVID-19, visit the CDC website.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

More From WWMJ Ellsworth Maine