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One new case of COVID-19 discovered. Total cases now up to 11.

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GALENA–Jo Daviess County Health Department is reporting one additional positive case of COVID-19 in an individual in their 90s. This brings the number of laboratory confirmed positive cases in Jo Daviess County residents to 11. Three of these individuals have recovered. To maintain patient privacy, further details about the individuals will not be released. Health department staff continue to investigate and monitor individuals who have tested positive and their close contacts.

These cases, the health department says, reinforce the importance of actions the public can continue to take to protect themselves and slow the spread here. Unless it is an emergency, the health department advises individuals who think they may have COVID-19, or have had close contact with someone diagnosed or under evaluation for possible exposure, to stay home and call their healthcare provider for further direction.

Do not go to the emergency room, a walk-in clinic, health department, or your doctor’s office. Call ahead and follow the healthcare provider’s instructions. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough or other cold or flu-like symptoms, difficulty breathing, and/or shortness of breath.

What should you do if you are tested?

The health department and Illinois Department of Public Health are offering guidelines for those tested for the COVID-19 virus.

Sandra Schleicher, health department director, noted that these guidelines would be quite helpful. She added, "It’s very important for people to stay home while they wait for their results, especially if they are symptomatic."

The guidelines can be found under "Attachments" to the left.

What can the public do:

•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 six feet away from others.

•Stay put: Stay home, only go out when essential (buying groceries, pickup up medicine, etc.)

Be mindful of those who are at greater risk for contracting this virus, including older adults and those with underlying health conditions.

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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.

For more information visit dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus or jodaviess.org.

For general questions about COVID-19, call the IDPH hotline at 1-800-889-3931
Updates from the health department will be added to COVID-19 reporting on galenagazette.com.

Report from state health department

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 1,672 new cases of coronavirus disease in Illinois, including 43 additional deaths.
- Cook County: 1 male 40s, 3 females 50s, 2 males 50s, 1 female 60s, 3 males 60s, 1 female 70s, 5 males 70s, 4 females 80s, 7 males 80s, 3 females 90s, 2 males 90s.
- DuPage County: 1 female 80s, 1 male 90s
- Kane County: 1 female 80s
- Lake County: 2 males 70s, 1 male 90s
- St. Clair County: 1 female 70s
- Will County: 1 male 30s, 1 male 60s, 2 females 80s
Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 20,852 cases, including 720 deaths, in 86 counties in Illinois. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to older than 100 years.