First COVID-19 Case Confirmed in Massac County

A person in Massac County has been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus.

The Southern Seven Health Department said they learned Wednesday morning of the positive test. The patient is a woman in her 60s, and is in isolation at home. She is the first confirmed COVID-19 case in the southernmost seven counties in Illinois. It's believed that the woman was exposed to the virus while traveling. 

Officials say no additional information about the patient will be released due to privacy issues. 

While this is the first case in the Southern Seven Health Department's area, the number of cases in Illinois has risen dramatically in the last week. The Illinois Department of Public Health said 986 people with COVID-19 were confirmed Wednesday, bringing the state-wide total to 6,980 people. A total of 141 people have died, with 42 of those reported just on Wednesday.

Southern Seven Health Department is asking everyone 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. Everyone is encouraged to follow the CDC, IDPH, and Southern Seven Health Department websites and social media accounts for trusted information.

Southern Seven Health Department is not offering a test for COVID-19. The following hotlines are also available to answer any questions and provide treatment advice:

Massac Memorial Hospital 1-618-638-1344 (7am-7pm line) 

Southern Illinois Healthcare 1-844-988-7800 (24 hour line) 

St. Francis Medical Center 1-573-331-4200 (7am-5pm line) 

Baptist Health 1-888-227-8478 (24 hour line) 

The 24-hour COVID-19 hotline is 1-844-988-7800

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) can be reached at 1-800-889-3931 or DPH.SICK.ILLINOIS.GOV