99 new COVID-19 cases in Perry County; total now 204 as of Aug. 16

The Perry County Health Department said Monday it has been notified of 99 additional positive cases of COVID-19, since it last took stock the previous Thursday morning.

That brings the current total of active cases to 204 as of Monday.

Of the new 99 cases, nine are in the 0-12 age range; and six are between 13 and 17.

Among the adults, 77 new cases were reported between ages 18 and 64, while seven people aged 65 and older have tested positive for COVID-19.

Perry County's death total from COVID-19 remained steady Monday at 65.

The next Perry County vaccination clinic will held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday (Aug. 18) at the Perry County Health Department in Pinckneyville. Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be available. Both appointments and walk-ins will be accommodated.

The Du Quoin public schools will open to students on Tuesday, Aug. 17, and all staff and students must be masked according to a state mandate. Teachers returned to work last Friday and Superintendent Matt Hickam said all staffers complied with the mask mandate.

Masks are being worn by vaccinated and unvaccinated alike, and they'll be worn until the state of Illinois lifts the mandate. Some school districts in Illinois - like the Benton high school and Ben elementary districts, are defying the mandate by saying mask wearing is "recommended" but not mandatory.