COVID-Related Death in County; More Than 100 New Cases Since Monday

The 78th COVID-related death has been reported in Effingham County.

The Effingham County Health Department Friday reported the death of a man in his 70s.

More than 100 new positive cases of Coronavirus Disease have been reported since Monday. For the past seven days, 227 cases have been reported. That is 100 more cases than the county's previous seven-day total. The Health Department's information has two different totals for the number of new COVID-19 cases, so we have amended the exact figure until we can get that rectified.

65 of those cases involve those in their teens or younger. Health Department officials are encouraging people not to send children to school who are sick or who have been close contacts to positive cases.

COVID vaccine appointments can be booked at www.effcohealth.org. 

Governor Pritzker and Illinois Department of Public Health Dr. Ngozi Ezike Friday announced a two-week extension of vaccination requirements for individuals in high-risk settings.

All healthcare workers, including nursing home employees, all Pre K through Grade 12 teachers and staff, as well as higher education personnel and students will now be required to receive an initial dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by September 19. The alternative is to test on a weekly basis consistent with applicable law.