HANCOCK CO., Ill. (NEWS3) — Hancock County is now reporting a fifth case of coronavirus.
The Hancock County Health Department (HCHD) said in a press release Sunday morning a man in his 80s to 90s tested positive and is at home recovering. Officials do not believe this case is connected to the county’s previous cases of COVID-19. Staff will conduct contact tracing to investigate all possible exposures.
HCHD’s first confirmed COVID-19 case was reported April 8 after a resident in their 20s to 30s tested positive. Its second case was April 12 of a person in their 70s to 80s. The county’s third case was April 15 of a woman in her 20s to 30s. The health department reported its fourth case of a man in his 50s to 60s April 19.
“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 the 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. The Illinois Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control are now recommending wearing masks in public. If you must leave home wear a mask or a cloth covering. It will help protect others.”
So far this weekend, Knox County reported seven new coronavirus cases with a total count now at 32. Warren County also announced 12 additional cases, bringing its overall amount to 50.
Below are current COVID-19 test results in surrounding counties around the NEWS3 viewing area:
- McDonough County: 7 positive, 129 negative, 2 pending
- Schuyler County: 1 positive, 40 negative, 0 pending
- Hancock County: 5 positive, 74 negative, 7 pending
- Warren County: 50 positive, 69 negative and unknown pending
- Fulton County: 3 positive, 87 negative, 4 pending
- Knox County: 32 positive, 247 negative, 63 pending
- Adams County: 33 positive, 880 negative, 37 pending
The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 43,903 total coronavirus cases Sunday and 1,933 deaths. The state saw 2,126 new cases and 59 additional deaths Sunday.
HCHD 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 like heart disease, diabetes and asthma are at greater risk of developing severe illness which may require hospitalization.
If you have any signs or symptoms such as fever, coughing or shortness of breath, health officials urge you to contact your primary care provider for instructions on what to do.
