Second COVID-19 patient in Perry County; cases double overnight in Jefferson County
The Perry County Health Department said Wednesday it has been notified of a second laboratory-confirmed case of the novel coronavirus.
According to a news release from Brittany Numi, RN, the health department educator, the patient is a male in his 40s who is currently in quarantine and is working with the Perry County Health Department..
The Perry County Health Department is currently monitoring this situation along with the Illinois Department of Public Health, the local hospitals in Du Quoin and Pinckneyville and local emergency management authorities.
COVID-19 cases in Jefferson County more than doubled in 24 hours, from 34 to 76 cases and two deaths as of Wednesday afternoon. Thirty-eight of the new cases are at GreenTree in Mount Vernon, a long-term care facility, according to the mayor's office.
Randolph County had 63 cases and one death as of Wednesday; Jackson County has 51 cases and seven deaths and Williamson County has reported 17 cases.
Pulaski County now has 12 cases; Franklin County has eight; Washington County has seven; Union has five; Saline, Johnson and Massac counties have three apiece; Perry, Gallatin, Hamilton and Alexander have two each; White and Hardin counties have one reported case each and Pope County has 0.
Nearer to St. Louis, St. Clair County is reporting 316 cases and 19 deaths, while Monroe County has 58 cases and eight deaths.
Residents who have any questions, can contact the Perry County Health Department at (618) 357-5371.
If you experience symptoms of respiratory illness, such asfever, cough, or difficulty breathing, call your health care provider for medical advice.
Protect yourself and others by staying home as much as possible. Continue social distancing of 6 feet or more, avoid large groups or gatherings of people, wash hands frequently, and use a cloth face covering in community settings.
For additional updates or educational information, visit the Perry County Health Department's Facebook page.