37 new COVID-19 cases and a second death in Perry County
Thirty-seven new cases of coronavirus and a second death were reported to the Perry County Health Department on Saturday and Sunday (eight on Saturday and 29 on Sunday), bringing the total of active cases here to 86.
Among the 37 new COVID-19 cases were 20 more patients at Pinckneyville Nursing & Rehabilitation, which brings the nursing home total to 34 residents and 13 employees who have contracted the virus. It is unknown, however, how many of the nursing home employees live in Perry County.
The newly-diagnosed individuals include two girls and two boys under 17; two adult teen females; five women and one man in 20s; one woman in her 40s; three women in their 50s; one woman in her 60s; one man and three women in their 70s; 11 women in their 80s and five women in their 90s.
Also, a woman in her 90s has passed away from COVID-19, the health department news release added.
In summary, of the 186 total cases confirmed in Perry County, 86 are active; 98 have recovered and been released from isolation; and two people have died. Perry County has had 3,370 negative test results.
The county remains under "warning" status by the Illinois Department of Public Health because of three metrics: Too many new cases of COVID-19. As of Monday, Perry County's weekly rate is 161 per 100,000 (up from 118 per 100,000 last Friday); the state target is fewer than 50 new cases.
The weekly positivity rate. Perry County's weekly positivity rate is 12.2%, up from 10.5% last Friday. The state target is less than 8%.
Number of tests being done.
The criteria where Perry County is within normal ranges are: number of deaths; ICU availability; weekly emergency department visits; weekly hospital admissions; and clusters.
As of Monday, Perry County was among 13 Illinois counties considered to be at a warning level for the novel coronavirus.
The other southern Illinois counties are Gallatin, Jackson, Monroe, Saline, St. Clair, Union and Williamson. Statewide, the others on the warning list are Coles, Cass, Iroquois, Grundy, Tazewell and Winnebago. Randolph County has been removed from the warning list.
The Perry County Health Department is monitoring this situation along with the Illinois Department of Public Health, both local hospitals in Perry County and local emergency management authorities.
The patients are in isolationand working with the Perry County Health Department. If you have any questions, please 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 your hands frequently, and use a cloth face coverings in community settings.
For any additional updates or educational information, visit The Perry County Health Department's Facebook page.