The McLean County Health Department on reported on Friday, March 20, 2020 3 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in McLean County, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 4.
Communicable Disease Supervisor, Melissa Graven, stressed that all known close contacts with these individuals will be advised on the appropriate precautions they should take for their own care, and what they can do to prevent possible disease spread in the community.
As we continue to see new cases of COVID-19 in our community and across the state, it is important that people follow the public health guidelines on social distancing and good hygiene,” said Jessica McKnight, Administrator of the McLean County Health Department. “If you can, please do stay home. Increasing social distancing is a key component to lessening the impact of this pandemic and preventing the kind of circumstances we are seeing in other areas.”
Melissa Graven said, “The addition of these cases continues to confirm what we as a community has suspected, which is COVID-19 is present in McLean County and likely has been for some time. At this point, our best action to slow down the transmission of COVID-19 is to assume every interaction you have is with some who has COVID-19, and continue social distancing, maintain diligent hand washing and cleaning of high-touch surfaces, and monitor yourself for symptoms daily so you can self-isolate as soon as you start feeling ill.”
More cases of COVID-19 are expected as testing increases. Guidance from the Illinois Department of Health (IDPH) recommends that anyone with mild symptoms of COVID-19-like illness to remain home and only call their healthcare provider if their symptoms worsen or do not improve.
The management for someone who has COVID-19 like illness (cough, fever, shortness of breath, or sore throat) or someone with a positive COVID-19 test is the same: stay home, if mildly ill, and self-isolate yourself from others. Call your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve or you feel you need immediate medical intervention. Getting tested for COVID-19 will not change the treatment plan, as there is no treatment for COVID-19.
Symptoms of COVID-19-like illness include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath
You generally need to be in close contact with a person with COVID-19 to get infected. Close contact includes:
- Living in the same household as a sick person with COVID-19
- Caring for a sick person with COVID-19
- Being within 6 feet of a sick person with COVID-19 for about 10 minutes OR
- Being in direct contact with secretions from a sick person with COVID-19 (E.g. being coughed on, kissing, sharing utensils
It is very important for the public to implement personal preparedness to limit the spread of this virus. Protecting yourself and your family is a critical component to protecting our communities. Be mindful of those who are at greater risk for contracting this virus, including older adults and those with certain health conditions.
Everyone should take precautions, which include washing your hands and not touching your face, frequently cleaning high-touch surfaces (such as door knobs and counter tops), after touching any public surface, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home if you feel sick. The public is also encouraged to practice social distancing (not getting too close to other people). This is especially important for people who are at a higher risk of getting sick.
For more information on coronavirus contact the McLean County Health Department at (309)888-5450 or the Illinois Department of Public Health coronavirus hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or visit idph.illinois.gov for questions and more information.
