Five New COVID-19 Cases As Washington County Now Has 40 Confirmed Positive

The Washington County Health Department said on Thursday, July 23, that there were 5 new positive coronavirus cases now reporting, bringing the total amount to 40.

The residents include a female in her 40s with mild to moderate symptoms who was in close contact with a previous positive; a female in her 30s with mild symptoms who was in close contact with an out-of-county workplace case, a female in her 50s with no symptoms who is believed to have contacted the virus through community spread; another female in her 50s with mild symptoms, also believed to have contacted through community spread; and a male in his 40s with moderate symptoms and is another community spread case.

The health department has reportedly given isolation orders to all of the confirmed cases and is now in the process of contacting close contacts for quarantine orders. Health Administrator Elizabeth Lehde said none of the new reported cases are linked to any meetings or social gatherings.

The health department also released three additional cases from isolation. These residents are now permitted to resume normal activities. Isolation and quarantine orders are given through the interview process and can vary in length based on when the symptoms started, when a person was tested and when the health department is notified of the positive result.

The current summary of Washington County’s cases are

10 active

30 released from isolation

1,087 negative results.

More information from the health department

Definitions:

• Active case: Lab-confirmed case that is on isolation. 
• Isolation: NO contact with anyone (including anyone in the household), except if in need of medical care or attention.  Responders are to wear personal protective equipment.  Through interview, a positive case is on isolation at least 10 days from the start of symptoms.
• Close contact: Through interview, individuals who are thought to be at most risk of contracting COVID from a confirmed case during the contagious period.
• Quarantine: Stay home and out of the public. A person is on quarantine for 14 days from the date of their last contact with a confirmed positive person.

COVID can be spread up to 48 hours before a person starts with symptoms.  Anyone who has been at gatherings where little to no safety measures were in place is at risk of contracting COVID-19 and are asked to WATCH FOR THESE SYMPTOMS: Fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea. If you start with symptoms, isolate immediately and contact your healthcare provider about getting tested for COVID-19.

Information impacting the Phase of Restore Illinois, including numbers of new cases, hospitalizations, and ICU bed availability, is found at http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus.  This data is used to help determine risk of transmission and can impact Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan.

For testing, contact your healthcare provider or find local testing sites at https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/testing-sites .  There is also an open testing site at the Jackie Joyner Kersee Center in East St. Louis.

Boost your immune system by eating a variety of healthy foods, including Vitamins C and D and Zinc, exercising, getting plenty of rest, and drinking plenty of water!