Additional Positive Tests for COVID-19 In Mercer County
(July 22, 2020 Aledo, IL) The Mercer County Health Department (MCHD) today announced the 41st, 42nd, 43rd residents from Mercer County to test positive for COVID-19 (coronavirus). The 41st case is a male in his 60’s, the 42nd is a female in her 40’s and the 43rd is a female in her 90’s.
(July 21, 2020 Aledo, IL) The Mercer County Health Department (MCHD) today announced the 38th, 39th and 40th residents from Mercer County to test positive for COVID-19 (coronavirus). The 38th case is a male in his 70’s, the 39th is a male in his 20’s and the 40th is a female in her 60’s.
(July 17, 2020 Aledo, IL) The Mercer County Health Department (MCHD) today announced the 31st and 32nd residents from Mercer County to test positive for COVID-19 (coronavirus). The 31st case is a female in her 30’s and the 32nd case is a male in his teens.
Of the 43 positive cases that Mercer County has had since testing began, as of this date, nine cases are isolating at home and three cases are hospitalized and being followed by the MCHD. All other cases have completed their isolation period set forth by IDPH and are no longer being actively followed by MCHD. Due to Federal privacy restrictions, release of any additional information on this case is prohibited. Public Health Officials are identifying and contacting all close contacts of this case.
“We’ve seen 14 positive cases since July 16 which is the most positives that Mercer County has encountered in a 7-day period since the beginning of the testing.” said Carla Ewing, Administrator. “We are asking all of our community to practice what we know slows down the advancement of the virus – physical distancing 6 feet, wearing a face covering, washing your hands frequently, minimizing social gatherings and the other guidelines set forth by IDPH and the CDC.”
All active cases and close contacts are being monitored by the Mercer County Health Department Communicable Disease staff. For COVID-19, a close contact is defined as any individual who was within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to positive specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated. The Mercer County Health Department will reach out to all known close contacts of each positive case.
The recommended 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.
Wear a face covering
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 .