The first COVID-19 outbreak in a Story County long-term care facility was confirmed by state health officials via Iowa’s Coronavirus website Thursday.

Steve Sullivan, a spokesperson for Mary Greeley Medical Center and Story County Public Health, said the three are residents of the facility.

The state health department defines an outbreak at a long-term care facility as consisting of three or more cases.

Kim Reynolds said state health officials are coming up with a plan to allow visitors once again at long-term care facilities.

“I understand that this time of separation has been extremely difficult for residents of long-term care facilities and their loved ones,” Reynolds said.