(NEWS3) — Local health officials continue to monitor the high number of confirmed cases of coronavirus across Illinois and receive results from recent tests conducted locally.
The Knox County Health Department said nearly two-dozen people have been tested for the virus. Officials said the county tested 21 people. Results showed 13 patients were negative and eight tests are pending.
Warren County Health Department said they are aware of only three tests in the area. Those tests have all come back negative. Administrator Jenna Link said these tests were taken at nearby hospitals. Link said there also may be recent tests conducted privately that the department is unaware of yet.
McDonough County Health Department (MCHD) told NEWS3, some coronavirus tests have taken place at McDonough District Hospital (MDH), but officials would not say how many or the results of the tests. In addition, MCHD oversees the Schuyler County Health Department, but we have not received any information about tests in that county either. Although, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has not reported any positive cases in both counties.
Health officials across the NEWS3 viewing area stress not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19. Local agencies remind residents, individuals will not be tested unless they meet certain criteria. Healthcare providers are expected to refer patients to a testing site if they have determined symptoms of the virus.
MDH announced a drive-thru screening station opened Wednesday to test for multiple illnesses. The screening procedures will test for Influenza A and B, strep and COVID-19. Patients must pre-register by calling the MDH nurse triage hotline or their primary care provider before being screened at the drive-thru station. You can find more information here.
Wednesday, IDPH reported 330 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 1,865 cases and 19 deaths in Illinois. The state saw the largest spike in cases to date Wednesday.
To see tips on how to protect yourself and prevent the spread of COVID-19 or learn about the symptoms, you can go to the CDC’s website by clicking here.
