As of Friday morning, there were a total of 15 positive cases in southernmost Illinois, with the two most recent cases confirmed on Thursday (see link).
In response to inquiries, Southern Seven reported that as of Friday, 254 tests have come back negative for the virus. Here is a list by county:
Alexander - 16
Hardin - 15
Johnson - 32
Massac - 43
Pope - 11
Pulaski - 23
Union - 114
Neither the testing or the approval of which individuals get tested is done by Southern 7 Health Department, it is done by the Illinois Department of Public Health, and by state and private laboratories. Private doctors can also refer patients for COVID-19 testing at commercial, hospital, or academic laboratories.
The health department encourages everyone to stay informed by watching Gov. Pritzker's daily update at 2:30 pm. This press conference can be found on the Illinois Department of Public Health’s website (see link).
You can also stay informed by following the Southern 7 Health Department's Facebook page (see link).
As of Thursday afternoon, there were 25,733 cases of COVID-19 in Illinois and 1,072 deaths in 90 counties. In just 6 days those totals had climbed from 16,422 cases and 528 deaths in 81 counties.
The data shows that COVID-19 is spreading rapidly, so everyone should assume that it is circulating within your community. Stay at home unless absolutely necessary, and when you must go out, observe social distancing and wear a face mask and gloves.
There have been four COVID-19 hotlines established for residents of the Southern 7 region. These are:
Massac Memorial Hospital 1-618-638-1344 (7am-7pm)
Southern Illinois Healthcare 1-844-988-7800 (24 hours)
St. Francis Medical Center 1-573-331-4200 (7am-5pm)
Baptist Health Paducah 1-888-227-8478 (24 hours)
For more information visit cdc.gov/coronavirus or idph.illinois.gov. You can also call the IDPH Hotline with questions at 1-800-889-3931.
On the Net:
Previous Story - Most Recent Positive TestsSouthern 7 Health Dept. Facebook page
IL Dept. of Public Health website
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