Marshall County reports first COVID-19 case

A resident of Marshall County has tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19), according to a press release at 9:37 p.m. Monday from Bureau, Putnam and Marshall County Health Department.

“The individual is an adult female with no history of travel or contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19. This case is considered to be acquired through community transmission. The individual is recovering at home in isolation,” according to the health department press release.

Likewise, two La Salle County cases have been reported as resulting from “community transmission,” and neither of those people had a “history of travel.”

Regarding the first Marshall County case, the health department said the “individual was screened and tested by a local hospital. Public health officials were notified of a positive test, according to state and local public health protocol.”

The health department says the public health officials are in the beginning stages of the investigation and “are working diligently to identify and investigate all individuals who were in contact with the case. Federal privacy restrictions prohibit the release of any additional information regarding this case. No further information regarding the investigation is available at this time.”

“This is the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in any of the counties served by the Bureau, Putnam and Marshall County Health Departments.” said Hector Gomez, BPMCHD Administrator “The partners and organizations involved in the COVID-19 community response in our area are fully prepared to respond to COVID-19 cases.

“We expect to see additional cases in our counties.” Gomez added. “Residents should assume that that they are at risk for exposure to COVID-19.”

On Saturday, March 21, 2020, Governor Pritzker’s “Stay at Home Executive Order” went into effect until April 7, 2020. It is important that residents take this Order seriously and do everything they can to protect themselves, their family and their community from COVID-19 during this time.

Residents are encouraged to learn more about COVID-19 and how to protect families and the community from being exposed to the virus:

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Prevent community spread by staying away from crowds.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Individuals who have questions or concerns about COVID-19 can contact the Illinois Department of Public Health Hotline at 1-800-889-3931.

Find more information about COVID-19 at https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/coronavirus/Pages/default.aspx ,

http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus , and

bchealthdepartment.org .