ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- Two additional cases of COVID-19 have been identified in St. Joseph County, the Department of Health announced Thursday.

St. Joseph County now has 5 cases of COVID-19.

Neither of the two individuals needed hospitalization and both are recovering.

Both have exposure history to a known COVID-19 case and have been observing self-isolation.

The Department of Health says there is evidence of community transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19. That means there have been cases reported for which there was no risk of exposure (around someone else with COVID-19) or other source of infection has been identified.

“This recognition of community transmission underscores the importance of pursuing extreme social distancing and avoiding congregating as groups in an effort to decrease the likelihood of transmission of SARS-CoV-2,” said Dr. Mark Fox, Deputy Health Officer. As indicated in the Disaster Declaration Travel Advisory, non-essential travel should be avoided.

Residents are urged to stay home if they do not feel well.

If you have been tested and you are awaiting test results, you should remain in self-isolation.

In addition, health officials are discouraging routine screenings and physicals to limit exposure.

They encourage prenatal and postnatal visits as well as immunization visits for children.

The health department is also asking for donations of personal protective equipment:

We are asking all citizens and organizations in our community that might have extra N95 masks or their equivalent, face shields, goggles, medical gloves, and/or disposable gowns to consider donating these items. We are anticipating a sharp increase in the need for such personal protective equipment for health care providers, and we have reason to believe the current commercial suppliers might not be able to keep up with the demand. If you are interested in donating those items, please call (574) 245-6743.