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Carroll County records first COVID-19-related death

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GALENA–A positive case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Ogle County has been reported along with the first death of a northwest Illinois resident.
•Ogle County reports a resident in their 50s tested positive for COVID-19
•Carroll County reports a resident in their 80s tested positive for COVID-19 and has died.
Other locations in the Northern Illinois Rockford Region with positive COVID-19 cases include Carroll (3), DeKalb (8), Jo Daviess (1), Stephenson (3), Whiteside County (6) and Winnebago County (14). The additional case announced today from Carroll County is a resident in their 80s. The additional two cases announced today from Whiteside County are a resident in their 50s and a resident in their 30s. The additional case announced today from Winnebago County is a resident in their 20s.
As of March 30, there are 36 positive cases of COVID-19 in the Northern Illinois Rockford Region. Cases have occurred in ages ranging from teens to 80s. Local health departments continue to work closely with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to identify and notify those that may have been in close contact with the individuals who have tested positive.
With the majority of counties in the region reporting positive cases of COVID-19, the local health departments in the region want to remind the community that the best way to protect you and your family from getting sick with COVID-19 is to stay home.

To slow the spread of COVID-19, it is important for everyone to take steps to prevent exposure. Stay home and only leave your house for basic needs, including visiting the doctor or buying groceries, medicine, gasoline or similar supplies. When you do go out for basic needs, stay apart at least 6 feet from others and wash your hands often, especially upon returning home.

What the public can do:

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•STAY CALM: You are not alone in this, your community is here to support you. Talk to your friends and family and let them know if you are having concerns.
•STAY APART: Keep at least 6 feet away from others including while shopping. Avoid the lines by taking advantage of pick-up and delivery services for groceries and other goods.  STAY PUT: Stay home, and only go out when essential (buying groceries, pick-up medicine, ect).
Call your healthcare provider:
If you experience fever, cough, and shortness of breath (flu like symptoms), stay home and call your healthcare provider before going to a healthcare facility. Inform them of your symptoms. Find additional information at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

For more information:
Go to IDPH and CDC websites.
•http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus
•https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
For general questions about COVID-19, call the IDPH hotline at 1-800-889-3931