First coronavirus-related death in Perry County

Perry County has had its first COVID-19-related death, the local health department announced Sunday.

A man in his 50s died due to complications of COVID-19, according to a statement released by Krista Mulholland, director of Environmental Health/Emergency Preparedness for the Perry County Health Department.

A release on Monday says the Perry County Health Department has also been notified of one additional confirmed positive case of COVID-19, bringing the number of total positive cases in Perry County to 50.

The latest patient is a woman in her 20s, who is currently under quarantine.

Of the 50 cases, five are currently active, 44 have been released from isolation and one person has died. The health department does not reveal the number of active patients who are hospitalized.

The county has had 1,269 negative test results.

The Perry County Health Department says it is monitoring this situation along with the Illinois Department of Public Health, both local hospitals and local emergency management authorities.

Health department officials urge residents to protect themselves and others from the coronavirus by staying home as much as possible, continuing to social distance yourself by 6 feet or more, avoiding large groups of people, washing your hands frequently, and using a cloth face covering in community settings.

For questions, 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.

For any additional updates or educational information, visit The Perry County Health Department's Facebook page.

Elsewhere in southern Illinois:

In Williamson County, five new cases were identified Monday on top of eight new cases that were identified Sunday, according to the Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department. One is a woman in her 20s, another in her 40s and a third in her 50s; the others are all men: Three in their 20s, one in his 30s, one in his 40s, three in their 50s, one in his 80s and one in his 90s.

Randolph County reported three new cases on Monday, after dropping to 0 active cases last Friday. All three patients are recovering at home. The county has had 282 cases altogether - 272 people have been released to normal activity and seven patients have died. "It is very important that we do not let our guard down during phase 4," said Randolph County Health Department Administrator Angela Oathout.

In Jackson County, One new cases was reported Monday and three new cases were reported last Thursday for a total of 328 cases and 19 deaths.

Free testing site

The state of Illinois has established a temporary testing site now through July 5, at the SIU-C Recreation Center, north side parking lot in Carbondale (closed July 4). Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Testing is open to all Illinois residents; you do not need to be symptomatic or have a known exposure. The test is free; bring an insurance card if you have one, but no one will be turned away for lack of insurance.

Participants will be asked for a phone number and current address to ensure results can be received. Enter the site on South Marion Street, accessed via East Mill Street.