MARION COUNTY, IL — Marion County Health Department was notified Sunday afternoon of two Marion County residents who tested positive for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). One individual, a female in her 40s, is doing well and is at home on isolation. The other individual, a female in her 80s, is in ICU at a hospital.

Public health officials have begun an investigation of both of these cases, speaking with individuals who they may have come into contact with before this diagnosis.

Through this investigation, public health may place other individuals on home quarantine if they are determined to have had significant exposure.

Such individuals may not be 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.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Illinois has risen dramatically over the past week.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), there are 4,596 cases of confirmed COVID-19 in the state and 65 deaths in 47 counties.
Clinton County is reporting its sixth confirmed case and Bond and Fayette Counties are each reporting their first cases.

Melissa Mallow, Administrator of the Marion County Health Department says we can expect more cases to be confirmed locally, as the number of tests being conducted is increasing.

She notes that 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 health care provider for further guidance.

In addition, St, Mary’s Hospital (SSM) has established a free virtual COVID-19 evaluation at www.ssmhealth.com.

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 that may not be beneficial to their own health or the health of others.

Follow the CDC, IDPH and MCHD websites and social media accounts for such trusted information.

Public health officials will not be releasing more specific details about these individuals due to privacy issues.