Knox County Health Department officials announced today that since, Saturday, November 21, 2020, there has been three deaths of Knox County residents attributed to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total to forty-eight. The residents were a female in her 40s, a male in his 70s and a female in her 80s. As always, the Health Department protects the confidentiality of individuals and their families and does not release further information about residents.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of these residents. The Public Health Department continues to take necessary, carefully considered steps to slow down the spread of the disease and to protect those at greatest risk,” said Michele Gabriel, Administrator at the Knox County Health Department. “We are facing a historic public health challenge and know this is a very difficult time. Our top priority continues to be protecting the health of our community.”
Knox County residents are encouraged to consider the health of their families and those around them when they are making decisions about attending any size gatherings including family gatherings or just going to work. “If you are ill, just don’t go,” states Gabriel, “the Health Department is seeing outbreaks with growing numbers of all ages. “We ALL have the ability to make a difference and we all have the responsibility to do so.” The best ways to protect yourself, as well as those around you, is to wash your hands often, practice social distancing, wear a face covering, and simply stay home when you’re sick to avoid exposing others. “Whether you know you have COVID-19, have been quarantined because you are a close contact to someone with COVID-19, or don’t really know why you are ill,” Gabriel elaborates, “Just stay home.”
The Knox County Health Department reminds county residents to use trusted sources for the latest information on COVID-19 and visits websites such as; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov and Illinois Department of Public Health www.dph.illinois.gov. Additionally http://gis.ci.galesburg.il.us/COVID, is the official source of information on COVID-19 numbers for Knox County.
***Report Courtesy of the Knox County Health Department***
