Washington County Sees Two More COVID-19 Cases

The Washington County Health Department sees two more COVID-19 cases reported, according to a press release on Wednesday, July 29.

The residents include one female age unknown with a mild to moderate symptoms and one male in his 50s with resolved symptoms. The male has been isolated at home.

The department said four cases has been released from isolation and can resume normal activities.

Administrator Elizabeth Lehde said isolation and quarantine orders are given through the interview process and can vary in length based on when symptoms started, when a person was tested and when the health department is notified of the results.

The summary of the (52) county results includes

13 active

39 released from isolation

1,162 negatives

More information from the health department

Definitions:

• Active case: Lab-confirmed case that is on isolation.
• Isolation: A person is to stay home and have 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. A person is released from isolation when they are no longer considered contagious.
• 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. Symptoms can start up to 14 days after exposure
  and can be spread unknowingly if someone is out in the public during this time.
  Failure to comply with voluntary isolation and quarantine orders can result in mandated, court-ordered
  isolation and quarantine.

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!