New Case of COVID-19 in Effingham County

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Published on July 15 2020 7:30 pm
Last Updated on July 15 2020 7:30 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

Effingham County Health Department Wednesday received notice of a new positive case of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). A male in his teens has had no known contact with a COVID case. He is doing well in isolation.

Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, addressed the shift in age ranges of positive COVID cases in a press conference Wednesday. She stated young people, age ranges 10-19 and 20-29 are “having higher case rates now, than ever before in this pandemic.” Dr. Ezike cautioned that the virus is now being spread by youth, stating emphatically, “Young people, we need you to make responsible decisions to help us continue to keep our successes and decrease and minimize spread.”

Everyone is strongly urged to take steps to minimize risk of contracting COVID-19 by wearing a face covering, washing your hands frequently, maintaining a distance of at least six feet, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces. Individuals are asked to continue monitor themselves for COVID symptoms. These symptoms include: fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea. If individuals are exhibiting any of these symptoms, they should contact their healthcare provider for further guidance.

Testing is available in the Effingham community for individuals exhibiting symptoms of COVID and for individuals who may not have symptoms but feel they may be at increased risk for contracting COVID disease. Remember, persons may not always exhibit symptoms, and disease spread can be reduced by having early diagnosis and practicing isolation. For information on how to obtain testing, contact the Effingham County Health Department at 217-342-9237 or your healthcare provider.

The public is asked to follow and share trusted sources of information on COVID-19. Follow the CDC, IDPH and ECHD websites for such trusted information.