Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced an emergency order Friday allowing local governments to fine businesses and schools that do not follow the state’s mask mandate or size limits in an attempt to stop the spread of Covid-19. Local leaders will be able to charge organizations that consistantly break the state’s orders with with a Class A misdemeanor that results in a fine of between $75 to $2,500. Warren County Health Department Administrator Jenna Link says the masks won’t stop the spread of the virus but it can slow the spread:
“You know there’s so much division about masks or not masks but ultimately having a barrier or a face covering when you are out in public and can’t maintain that 6 feet of separation, hopefully you are not out in public if you are ill, but if you are put and if you are not feeling the best, it is helping to prevent the spread of the illness. It won’t prevent the virus but there’s no 100% secure and safe measure at this point. The virus is not going away and it continues to spread. Masks are a tool in the toolbox that we can use to slow down the spread of the virus. The virus is not going anywhere” says Link.
Link says we have 193 confirmed cases and 1,898 negative tests so far in Warren County. Overall Warren County has had 7 individuals hospitalized since the beginning of the pandemic.
COVID-19 Case Update in Warren County August 10, 2020
The Warren County Health Department is announcing 1 additional confirmed case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), bringing the total cases to 193. Most cases have experienced mild symptoms. 144 individuals have
had their symptoms resolve. Due to federal privacy restrictions, release of any additional information is prohibited. To date there have been 1900 negative tests.
The new case includes:
• 1 male between the ages of 60-80
The Warren County Health Department is following all the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and taking all the necessary
precautions with all cases. Health department staff are working to identify, investigate, and actively monitor individuals who were in close contact with the confirmed cases.