FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – AUGUST 27, 2020

Contact: Micah Drummond, BSN, RN, 618.392.6241

Five Richland County Residents Test Positive for COVID-19

OLNEY, ILL. – Richland County TB and Public Health Office was notified today of five Richland County women who tested positive for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). Three of these individuals are related to a new outbreak in a long term care community. The age groups for the new positives are 1 – 20s, 1 – 70s, 2 – 90s, 1 – >100.

Richland County has had 64 positive cases and two outbreaks to date. More cases can be expected to be confirmed locally as the virus continues to spread. The number of cases can be reduced by adhering to public health guidance on social distancing, washing hands frequently, wearing face coverings, disinfecting commonly touched surfaces and staying home if you feel ill.

Public health officials are investigating these cases and will be speaking with individuals who may have had significant exposure – within six feet for longer than 15 minutes. Through this investigation, public health officials may place other individuals on home quarantine for a period of time which allows symptoms to develop and pass without posing risks to others. If you are contacted by public health officials, please respond promptly.

COVID-19 shares many symptoms with more common respiratory diseases. If you have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing, call your health care provider for further guidance. In addition, the Illinois Department of Public Health has established a 24-hour COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-889-3931.

The public is asked to follow and share trusted sources of information on COVID-19. The spread of incorrect information during disease outbreaks can lead people to take actions which may not be beneficial to their own health or the health of others. Follow CDC, IDPH and RCHO websites and social media accounts for such trusted information.

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