Perry County COVID-19 count is 32 as of Sunday

Eight more cases of COVID-19 were announced in Perry County on Saturday and Sunday, bringing the total number of positive cases here to 32.

The Perry County Health Department said the latest cases are a male and female under 17; males in their 30s, 40s and 50s; two women in their 40s and a woman in her 60s.

All of the above patients are under quarantine, the health department said. The health department will not reveal how many of the 32, if any, are hospitalized.

Meanwhile, 338 residents from Perry County had tested negative as of Sunday.

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 to 174 on Saturday. Of those, 110 were listed as active (four hospitalized), while 62 patients have recovered and two people have died, according to the Randolph County EMA.

Elsewhere in southern Illinois on Saturday, Jefferson County reported 84 cases and 14 deaths. Jackson County reported a total of 125 cases and nine deaths. 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.

Meanwhile, Williamson County reported 32 cases on Saturday, while Pulaski County had 20 cases, Union had 21, Washington had 13 and Franklin had nine; Alexander, Massac and Johnson counties reported four cases apiece; Saline 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 was reporting 507 cases and 33 deaths on Saturday, while Monroe County had 71 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.