With COVID-19 spreading, Kendall County Health Dept. urges residents to 'step up, make changes'

With community spread of COVID-19 now underway in Kendall County, the county's health department said in a statement Thursday, Nov. 19, that it is "now critical that we step up and make changes to prevent further spread" of the lethal virus.

The health department reported 166 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on Monday, Nov. 16; 143 new cases on Tuesday, Nov. 17; 95 news cases on Wednesday; Nov. 18, and 188 on Thursday, Nov. 19.

In addition, the health department has reported six deaths from COVID-19 over the past week.

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases stood at 4,966 with 2,521 listed as in recovery as of Thursday evening, Nov. 19, according to health department data.

In their statement, the health department noted that the spread of the virus is increasing rapidly in the county and hospitals in surrounding communities are becoming overwhelmed, with limited beds available for new patients. For example on Nov. 18, Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers reported a 400% increase in COVID hospitalizations since the beginning of November. There were 10 COVID positive inpatients at Morris Hospital on Oct. 31, compared to 39 Nov. 17.

To help slow the spread, the health department is asking county residents to do the following:

Change your daily habits – Avoid shopping at peak hours and take advantage of contactless delivery or pick‐up services with retailers. Wear a mask when going through a restaurant drive-through or order pick-up.

Keep at least six feet between you and others – Avoid shaking hands as a social greeting.

Avoid crowded places – Gatherings are limited to no more than 10 people. Utilize web-based video services to spend time with family and friends outside your household.

Follow handwashing and hygiene practices –Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home when you’re sick.

Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when in a public setting and when around people who don’t live in your household.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

For more information on COVID-19, visit our Kendall County Health Department COVID-19 information page COVID-19 information page