ILLINOIS — Three southern Illinois counties were added to the growing list of counties reporting at least one case of the novel Coronavirus Thursday afternoon. The Illinois Department of Public Health confirmed that Jackson and Williamson Counties each have reported their first case of the virus, and also Washington County is reporting its first case of COVID-19.

The U.S. State Department has issued its highest level of travel alert Thursday, advising citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19.

Governor J.B. Pritzker said at his daily press conference that the number of cases is going to continue growing exponentially as the state increases its testing capacity. On Wednesday, about 1,000 tests being done daily in the state, and Pritzker hopes that number is 2,000 a day in a few days.

Also on Wednesday, Williamson County Board Chairman Jim Marlo issued a disaster declaration in response to the pandemic. Officials say declaring a disaster will allow for greater collaboration with local, state and federal governments and is an essential step in the county’s response to the crisis.

Williamson County offices will remain open and will continue to serve residents at a restricted level. County leaders ask that you call and complete your business over the phone or via email when possible.