The Knox County Health Department (KCHD) is announcing one additional
case of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), bringing the total positive cases to 38. The individual is a male in his teens. Due to Federal privacy restrictions, release of any additional information is prohibited.
Public health officials are working to identify and actively monitor individuals who were in direct contact with this resident in an effort to reduce the risk of additional transmission.
“The Health Department is following all of the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Illinois Department of Public Health and taking all the necessary precautions with these cases. The staff is working to identify, investigate, and actively monitor individuals who were in close contact with the individuals,” states Michele Gabriel, Public Health Administrator. “We understand this causes concern; however, the health and safety of our residents is our highest priority.”
“COVID-19 is spreading in the community and we are asking residents to take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of illness,” states Gabriel. Individuals have the potential to be contagious for up to 48 hours prior to any signs of symptoms. You are encouraged to self-monitor daily for any of the following symptoms: fever, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, loss of taste/smell, extreme fatigue, headaches, and muscle aches. This list is not all inclusive. Please contact your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
Michele Gabriel, Public Health Administrator, encourages all county residents to join in the effort of promoting vigorous social distancing practices and compliance. Officials are encouraging the public to remain vigilant about keeping germs from spreading by covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands with warm water and soap, and staying home when sick. If a person is experiencing unmanageable symptoms of fever, cough, or shortness of breath, they should call their primary healthcare provider.
The Knox County Unified Command reminds county residents to use trusted sources for the latest information on COVID-19 such as; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov and Illinois Department of Public Health www.dph.illinois.gov. The following webpage, http://gis.ci.galesburg.il.us/COVID, is the official source of information on COVID-19 numbers for Knox County. For general questions about COVID-19, call the hotline at 1-800-889-3931, email dph.sick@illinois.gov or call your Knox County Health Department at 309-344-2224.
***Report Courtesy of the Knox County Emergency Management Agency***
