(NEWS3) – Two counties in west-central Illinois will be added to the list of counties reporting coronavirus cases in Illinois.
Hancock County Health Department (HCHD) and Memorial Hospital (MH) officials announced Wednesday a recent COVID-19 lab result shows a Hancock County resident in their 20s to 30s tested positive.
Hours later, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Schuyler County Health Department (SCHD) said one resident tested positive for COVID-19. Officials did not release the age of the person.
Officials said both patients are recovering at home.
Hancock County Health Department said it will conduct contact tracing to investigate all possible exposures.
“HCHD and MH would like to remind the county to take all safety precautions seriously,” Hancock County Community Health Director Melita Finney said. “First and foremost follow Governor Pritzker’s stay at home mandate, with the exception of essential needs. Stay home if you are sick, wash your hands, cover your cough and sneezes, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, practice social distancing.”
Adams County is the nearest county with coronavirus cases at 19 positive, 218 negative and 71 pending results.
In the NEWS3 viewing area, Knox County reported its first case two weeks ago. There are no confirmed cases in McDonough or Warren counties.
The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 1,529 more COVID-19 cases Wednesday and a total of 15,078 cases overall, including 462 deaths, in 78 counties in Illinois.
Health officials said in most cases, COVID-19 causes mild symptoms of fever, cough, and body aches. Some experience shortness of breath. Many have no symptoms at all. Older adults and those with chronic health problems are at greater risk of developing severe illness which can require hospitalization.
If you have any signs or symptoms such as fever, coughing or shortness of breath, you are urged to call your primary care provider for instructions on what to do.
