State/Local COVID-19 Numbers Set Records for 2nd Straight Day

Health officials in Illinois are all in agreement on one thing - COVID-19 positivity numbers are, in most areas, headed in the wrong direction.

For the second day in a row, Effingham County's health department has reported a record-high 100 new cases of the virus. The department was unable to provide a graphic showing additional local statistics, as they remain overwhelmed with contact tracing. Locally, the COVID-19 positivity rate is above 24%, nearly 3 times the number that put Region 6 into additional mitigation restrictions.

The Marion County Health Department reported five new COVID-19 related deaths on Friday. There were also deaths reported in Shelby, Fayette and Wayne Counties. The Fayette County Health Department reported 27 new cases. The Wayne County Health Department reported 15 new positive cases. Marion county reported 37 new cases. Coles county reported 60 new cases while Shelby County announced 26 county residents have tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday.

The State of Illinois also set a new daily record, with IDPH reporting 10,376 new confirmed cases COVID-19), and 49 additional deaths.

Locally, the health department in Effingham County is trying to get residents onboard safety guidelines. In a release Friday, the department said ,"the solution to this wave of COVID-19 cases lies within our community. It is up to us if we want to come together and act for the benefit of everyone. Wear a mask, wash up, and spread out."