Two New Effingham County COVID-19 Cases; First Effingham County Death

Effingham County Health Department has received notice Wednesday of two new positive cases of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), including the first Effingham County death.

One positive case is a woman in her 30s who is doing well and is at home on isolation. 

The other positive case is a man in his 60s, who died while hospitalized outside the area.

Both individuals reported exposure to someone with COVID-19.

The Health Department issued a release that "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."

Here are the guidelines:

--the stay at home order

--when leaving home to acquire essential needs, adhere to social distancing guidelines of six 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, phone 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 Health Department also asks the public 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 that 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 the individuals due to privacy issues.