Quincy, IL (ADAMS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT) – On June 22, 2020, the Adams County Health Department announces six cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 56. This is also an increase of 12 in less than a week. Contact tracing investigation is being conducted to follow up with close contacts and advise of potential exposure and steps they will need to take to monitor their health as well as any quarantine instructions. By tracing contacts the individual had prior to the diagnosis, risk of additional transmission is reduced.
“As Illinois eases restrictions, travel and social activity begins to increase, which results in an anticipated increase in positive cases in Adams County,” said Public Health Administrator, Jerrod Welch. “It’s during this time we need to stress the importance for Adams County residents to stay vigilant. It is imperative to continue practicing proper prevention techniques including social distancing, wearing masks when 6 feet social distance cannot be maintained and practicing good hand hygiene to halt disease transmission throughout the community. These measures will protect our vulnerable populations while keeping our community moving in a forward direction.”
“If a person is experiencing even mild symptoms that are unusual for them, and not clearly related to seasonal allergies, they should call the COVID-19 Hotline as soon as possible and talk with a registered nurse about what they are feeling,” said Maureen Kahn, RN, MHA, MSN, President/Chief Executive Officer, Blessing Health System and Blessing Hospital. “The earlier the diagnosis is made, the fewer contacts the person will have with others and the spread of the disease will be better contained.”
COVID-19 symptoms may be very mild and consist only of sinus congestion, drainage or sinus pressure. Other symptoms include a fever greater than or equal to 100.4 degrees; a cough; shortness of breath; loss of taste and/or smell; headache/fatigue/weakness; sneezing and watery eyes.
Kahn added that Blessing Health System continues to follow its COVID-19 response procedures and is prepared to handle an increase in cases if hospitalizations are required.
As the community and the State of Illinois open phase 3 and anticipate phase 4 at the end of this week, it is important for everyone to do their part in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Social distance is the key to successfully moving between phases, continuing to keep disease levels low, and keep the community healthy. Further, masking is highly recommended. As workers in businesses are mandated to wear masks inside, patrons of businesses may not always be asked to mask. However, we believe it is respectful to wear a mask in these settings to provide workers a signal of support and to provide them the same protection they are asked to provide their patrons.
Adams County residents with questions or concerns are encouraged to call the COVID-19 Hotline (217-277-3504). For general questions about COVID-19, call the Illinois Department of Public Health COVID-19 Hotline 1-800-889-3931 or email: DPH.SICK@ILLINOIS.GOV.
For additional media questions contact:
Adams County Health Department Public Information Officer, 217.277.2215
Blessing Health System Marketing, Communications & Community Relations, 217.223.8400, ext. 4191