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Richland County Reports Two Additional COVID-19 Deaths

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – AUGUST 26, 2020

Contact: Micah Drummond, BSN, RN, 618.392.6241

Richland County Reports Two Additional COVID-19 Deaths

OLNEY, ILL. – Richland County TB and Public Health Office is saddened to report the deaths of two laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 positive Richland County residents, a male in his 90s and a male in his 80s. Public health officials will not be releasing more specific details about these individuals due to privacy issues.

Richland County has had 58 COVID-19 positive cases and three deaths 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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