Egyptian Health Department was notified on August 3, 2020, of seven Southeastern Illinois residents who have tested positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19). The individuals include:
- Saline County
- o a female, in her 50’s, at home and in isolation
- o a male, in his 60’s, at home and in isolation
- o a male, in his 60’s, case status in progress
- White County
- o a female, in her 20’s, at home and in isolation
- o a female, in her 20’s, case status in progress
- o a female, in her 30’s, at home and in isolation
- o a female, in her 50’s, case status in progress
To date, Saline County has had a total of 114 lab confirmed positives, including 1 death, White County has had a total of 62 lab-confirmed positives, and Gallatin County has a total of 46 lab-confirmed positives of COVID-19. The Illinois Department of Public Health, their healthcare provider, and the individuals have all been notified and are monitoring the situation.
As cases increase, the number of close contacts increases for individuals who need to be quarantined for a
minimum of 14 days. Please maintain physical distancing of 6 feet or more at all times.
Public health officials are conducting an investigation of these cases by speaking with individuals who are
deemed potential close contacts. As is protocol, public health officials may place other individuals on
home quarantine if they are determined to have had significant exposure. Such individuals may not by
symptomatic, but are quarantined for a period of time which allows symptoms to develop and pass,
without posing risk to others. If you are contacted by public health officials, please respond promptly.
Close contacts may include individuals:
Living in the same household as a sick person with COVID-19
Caring for a sick person with COVID-19
Being within 6 feet of a sick person with COVID-19 for about 15 minutes, OR
Being in direct contact with secretions from a sick person with COVID-19 (e.g., being coughed
on, kissing, sharing utensils, etc.).
COVID-19 shares many symptoms with more common respiratory diseases. If you have a fever, cough,
or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for further guidance. In addition, several COVID-19
hotlines have been established:
Illinois Department of Public Health
(IDPH)-1-800-889-3931
DPH.SICK.ILLINOIS.GOV
Southern Illinois Healthcare (SIH)
1-844-988-7800
Ferrell Hospital (Triage Nurse)
(618) 273-2275
Harrisburg Medical Center
(618)253-7671
Christopher Rural Health Planning
Corporation Clinic (CRHPC) (Eldorado,
Carmi, Shawneetown)
1-800-408-7351
Community Health & Emergency
Services (CHESI)
1-877-MYCHESI(692-4374)
The public is asked to follow and share trusted sources of information on COVID-19. The spread of
incorrect information during disease outbreaks can lead people to take actions which may not be
beneficial to their health or the health of others. Follow the CDC, IDPH, Illinois Coronavirus website,
EHD websites and social media accounts for such trusted information
The Wayne County Health Department announced five new cases of COVID-19 yesterday, bringing the county’s total to 50; one person was hospitalized, 21 were isolating at home, 27 had recovered, and one person with the virus passed away. Edwards County reported three new cases to reach 17, and Wabash County reported one to reach 34. Hamilton County added two, Marion and Jefferson counties announced eight new cases. The state announced 1,298 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday afternoon and 10 additional deaths. Statewide totals sat at 183,241 cases and 7,526 deaths. The preliminary statewide positivity rate for July 27th-August 2nd was four percent. The Southern Region’s positivity rate was 7.4 percent on July 31st, the highest in the state.
