20 COVID cases in Perry County; Randolph jumps to 154

Four more cases of COVID-19 were announced in Perry County on Wednesday, bringing the total number of positive cases here to 20.

The Perry County Health Department said the latest cases involve a woman in her 40s and three men, one each in their 30s, 60s and 70s.

All of the above patients are under quarantine, the health department said. The health department will not reveal how many of the 20, if any, are hospitalized.

Meanwhile, 203 residents from Perry County had tested negative as of Wednesday.

The health department says it is monitoring the situation along with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Marshall Browning Hospital, Pinckneyville Community Hospital and local emergency management authorities.

Meanwhile, Randolph County's caseload rose from 79 on Friday to 154 on Wednesday, according to the Randolph County Health Department.

Elsewhere in southern Illinois on Wednesday, Jefferson County reported 80 cases and 11 deaths. Jackson County had 98 cases and seven deaths as of Wednesday, and the Jackson County Health Department said in a news release that most Jackson County residents who have tested positive within the past week are tied to outbreaks at workplaces outside of Jackson County.

In many southern Illinois counties, cases are continuing to creep up. Williamson County reported 29 cases on Wednesday. Pulaski County had 17 cases; Union has 11, Washington has 10 and Franklin has eight; Massac and Johnson counties reported four cases apiece; Saline and Alexander counties had three; Gallatin, Hamilton and White counties had two each; Hardin County had one case and Pope County still had 0.

Nearer to St. Louis, St. Clair County is reporting 442 cases and 29 deaths, while Monroe County had 69 cases and 10 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 as fever, 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.