Seven COVID cases in Perry County as of Friday

Four more cases of coronavirus in Perry County have been confirmed by laboratory tests, the Perry County Health Department announced Friday, bringing the county's total to seven.

The latest cases are:

a male under the age of 17

two women, one in her 30s and one in her 50s

a man in his 70s.

Two other cases were announced Wednesday and Thursday - a man in his 40s and a woman in her 20s.

All of the above patients are under quarantine, the health department said.

Perry County's first case was announced April 11 - a woman in her 30s who, according to the health department, is believed to have acquired the virus through contact with an individual with a known or suspected case of the virus.

Altogether, 147 residents from Perry County have tested negative, according to the release sent Friday by Brittany Numi, RN, the health department educator.

The Perry County 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 cases rose to 79 cases (with one death) as of Friday. Health Department Administrator Angela Oathout said her department is monitoring businesses deemed essential as well as larger employers in the county "to ensure they are also following our recommendations for a safe working environment and to prevent the spread of COVID-19."

Jefferson County had 80 cases and two deaths as of Friday. Earlier in the week, 38 of those cases were identified as being at GreenTree in Mount Vernon, a long-term care facility, according to the mayor's office. It is unknown where the two deaths occurred.

In many southern Illinois counties, cases are continuing to creep up.

Jackson County had 56 cases and seven deaths as of Friday, and Williamson County had reported 22 cases.

Pulaski County had 15 cases; Franklin County had eight; Washington County has seven; Union had seven; Saline, Johnson and Massac counties have three apiece; Gallatin, Hamilton and Alexander had two each; White and Hardin counties have one reported case each and Pope County had 0.

Nearer to St. Louis, St. Clair County is reporting 350 cases and 19 deaths, while Monroe County had 62 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 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.