FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – SEPTEMBER 3, 2020

Contact: Micah Drummond, BSN, RN, 618.392.6241

Richland County Reports COVID-19 Death and Additional Cases

OLNEY, ILL. – Richland County TB and Public Health Office is saddened to report today the death of a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 positive Richland County resident, a female in her 90s. This is the fourth death related to COVID-19 in the county.

Additionally, six new laboratory-confirmed positive cases have been identified in Richland County. The individuals are two males in their 20s and 40s. The four women include two in their 90s, one in her 80s and one in her 50s. All six individuals are isolated at home. Public health officials will not be releasing more specific details about these individuals due to privacy issues.

Richland County has had 76 positive cases to date. More cases are 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.

If you have had significant exposure – within six feet for longer than 15 minutes – to a known-COVID positive case, please self quarantine for 14 days from the date of last contact. This period of time allows symptoms to develop and pass without posing additional 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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