Effingham, IL -(Effingham Radio)- Effingham County Health Department received notice today of two new positive cases of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). One is a woman in her 30’s is doing well and is at home on isolation. The second, sadly, is our first COVID-19 related death. A male in his 60’s died while hospitalized outside the area. Both individuals reported exposure to someone with COVID-19.
The number of COVID-19 cases in Illinois has risen dramatically over the past week and is expected to continue to rise. As we approach the holiday, it is of utmost importance that the community take precautions to protect themselves and their families from disease spread.
- Stay at home.
- When leaving home to acquire essential needs, adhere to social distancing guidelines of 6 feet and wear a mask.
- Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Sneeze or cough into a tissue, throw it away, and wash your hands.
- If you are feeling ill, isolate yourself at home and call a medical provider if symptoms worsen.
COVID-19 shares many symptoms with more common respiratory diseases. If you have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing, call your health care provider for further guidance. In addition, the Illinois Department of Public Health has established a 24-hour COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-889-3931.
The public is asked to follow and share trusted sources of information on COVID-19. The spread of incorrect information during disease outbreaks can lead people to take actions which may not be beneficial to their own health or the health of others. Follow the CDC, IDPH and ECHD websites and social media accounts for such trusted information. Public health officials will not be releasing more specific details about these individuals due to privacy issues.
Comments