141 New COVID Cases Over Past Week

The Effingham County Health Department (ECHD) announces 141 new cases of COVID have been reported from Friday, July 8 through Thursday, July 14.

Only 12.5% of cases were up to date with their vaccinations, 46% had never had a vaccine and a further 9% had only received one vaccine. Reinfections counted for nearly 20% of cases this week, of these only one case was up to date, of the remaining reinfections, 57.5% had never received a vaccine and a further 19% had only received one dose of vaccine.

Remember, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting COVID. The more steps you use, the increased level of protection you are creating for yourself:

• Stay up to date with your COVID vaccinations and boosters

• Avoid crowded indoor spaces

• If you do go into crowded indoor spaces mask up (KN95 mask are very effective and comfortable to wear)

• Ensure good ventilation indoors

• Do a rapid test before large gatherings and a few days after

• Stay home and test if feeling unwell

• Socialize outdoors

• Wash your hands

The Covid Testing Center is now situated in the White Hoop Building by the Effingham County Health Department, 901 W Virginia Ave, Effingham. Clinic hours have been expanded to Monday through Friday from 9 to Noon and in the afternoon from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Testing is still drive-through. ECHD asks people that need testing to drive into the White Hooped Building and to then call the Health Department on 217-342-9237 and to choose the Covid Testing Call Option. A member of the testing team will then come out to the White Hoop Building for you.