5 Positive Tests for Covid-19 in 5 days in Mercer County
by Teresa Welch/The Times Record
Aledo- The Mercer County Health Department (MCHD) announced on July 6, 2020 the twenty-fourth and twenty-fifth residents from Mercer County to test positive for COVID-19 (coronavirus). The 24th case is a female in her 60’s and the 25th case is a female in her 70’s. Due to Federal privacy restrictions, release of any additional information on these cases is prohibited. Public Health Officials are identifying and contacting all close contacts of these cases. There have been no deaths due to COVID -19 in Mercer County.
On July 4, 2020 the Mercer County Health Department announced the 23rd resident from Mercer County to test positive for COVID-19 (coronavirus) was a female in her 60s.
On July 3, 2020 the Mercer County Health Department announced the 22nd resident from Mercer County to test positive for COVID-19 (coronavirus) was a female in her 20's.
On July 2, 2020 the Mercer County Health Department announced the 21st resident from Mercer County to test positive for COVID-19 (coronavirus) was a male in his 20's.
"We cannot emphasize enough the importance of continuing to follow the protocols for stopping the spread of this disease – physical distancing, wearing a mask in public spaces, and good hand hygiene,” said Carla Ewing, Administrator. “We understand that with Phase 4 increasing social opportunities, it is tempting to abandon safety guidelines. We don’t want to see Mercer County or Illinois move backwards in the COVID-19 fight. Please continue these recommended practices. They are designed to protect not only you, but also those you care about.”
Those guidelines from IDPH (http://www.dph.illinois.gov)are as follows:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick with respiratory symptoms.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Social Distance from others at least 6 feet. As a reminder per the CDC (www.cdc.gov), older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at a higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. It is especially important for individuals in these categories to adhere to the guidelines.
As a reminder, most healthy people who get the virus will have mild symptoms and can recover at home.
If you think you have COVID-19, follow these steps from IDPH:
Stay home except to get medical care and separate yourself from others and animals in your home.
Call ahead before visiting your doctor.
Wear a facemask when around others. If you are unable to wear a facemask, then people who live with you should not be in the same room with you or they should wear a facemask if they enter your room.
Cover your coughs and sneezes.
Avoid sharing personal household items.
Wash your hands often.
Clean all high touch surfaces daily.
Monitor your symptoms. Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening (e.g. difficulty breathing.) by calling your health care provider. They will direct you to where you should be evaluated and decide if testing is needed.
For latest guidance, call the IDPH COVID-19 Hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov