It’s here.
Jade Teesateskie publicly identified herself as the first confirmed COVID-19 case in Graham County in a Facebook post on Monday evening.
“As I’m sure most of you already know ... there has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Graham County. I AM THIS POSITIVE CASE,” Teesateskie’s post reads.
“At the risk of having some of you attack me, I am posting this because it’s super important to get tested! I HAVE HAD NO SYMPTOMS and at the request of work got tested. I’m asking not only for those I’ve come into contact with but for everyone to GET TESTED PLEASE!
“I truly could care less about myself. My only concern is that I do not unknowingly or knowingly spread the virus to anyone. Again I HAVE NO SYMPTOMS, and I am currently quarantining and complying with all necessary precautions.”
The Graham County Health Department announced the positive test in a release Sunday. On Monday afternoon, another release revealed that Teesateskie attended a gathering in the East Buffalo community Saturday.
Neither release named her as the patient.
Health Director Beth Booth said “contact trace” protocols – in which an affected patient’s recent activity is accounted for – are already in effect.
Anyone in close contact with Teesateskie will be receiving a phone call as part of the protocol.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention stipulates that “close contact” can be anyone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for 10 minutes or more.
“We knew COVID-19 would eventually find its way into the county,” Booth said. “Public health, in collaboration with partnering agencies, will respond with appropriate action to best protect the health of the public, while respectfully protecting the privacy of those that test positive.”
Teesateskie was tested before county borders re-opened the night of April 19.