Cases of coronavirus on the rise in Beaumont. There are now 8 confirmed cases. – 12newsnow.com KBMT-KJAC

BEAUMONT, Texas The Beaumont Public Health Department has confirmed that a eighth Beaumont resident has tested positive for COVID-19.

BPHD says that an epidemiological investigation is underway and they are working to quickly identify close contacts of the individual.

For the first time, BPHD has said that the ages of confirmed cases in Beaumont range from 23 to 70. Six of the individuals who have tested positive are recuperating at home and two are hospitalized.

"For confidentiality purposes, BPHD is not releasing any additional information to identify the individual," a news release said. "Community spread is a realistic possibility and citizens must make all efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19."

12News has requested basic information including age and sex.

On Thursday, BPHD provided a broad range of ages of those who have tested positive. However, other cities around Texas and in other parts of the country have released more information about individuals who test positive including age and sex.

In cities such as Houston, Angleton, Galveston, Lake Jackson, Manvel, Angleton as well as Harris and Chambers County, age range and sex of the individual is provided to the media.

Many of those same cities include more case details such as where the individual possibly contracted the virus.

BPHD says they are not releasing additional information for confidentiality purposes.

"12News believes this is critical information residents need to better understand who this virus is impacting," 12News news director Daniel Brown said. "We believe it will show that this is not only impacting the elderly or those with immune issues. It is information that could help slow the spread, and we will continue to push for this information to be made public."

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Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, the CDC says.

These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure:

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.

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Cases of coronavirus on the rise in Beaumont. There are now 8 confirmed cases. - 12newsnow.com KBMT-KJAC