Public health officials are conducting an investigation of this case 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 10 minutes, OR
- Being in direct contact with secretions from a sick person with COVID-19 (e.g., being coughed on, kissing, sharing utensils, etc.).
The number of cases can be reduced by adhering to public health guidance on social distancing, washing hands frequently, disinfecting commonly touched surfaces, and staying home when you are ill.
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)
Clinicians are there to answer questions, assess each caller and advise on next steps.
The number of COVID-19 cases in Illinois has risen over the past week. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), on June 30, 2020, the confirmed total of COVID-19 in the State is 143,185 individuals.
