This is a joint news release issued by the Northern Illinois Rockford Region Public Information Officers (NIR-PIO). NIR-PIO serves Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle,Stephenson, Whiteside, and Winnebago Counties.
Northern Illinois Rockford Region – Today, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) confirmed a positive case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Jo Daviess County and in Stephenson County.
Jo Daviess County reports a resident in their 70s tested positive for COVID-19.
Stephenson County reports a resident in their teens tested positive for COVID-19.
Other locations in the Northern Illinois Rockford Region with positive COVID-19 cases include DeKalb County (1), Whiteside County (1) and Winnebago County (5). The additional case announced today from Winnebago County is a resident in their 20s. As of March 22, 2020 there are 9 positive cases of COVID-19 in the Northern Illinois Rockford Region. Cases have occurred in ages ranging from teens to 70s.
As expected, we are seeing additional cases in the Northern Illinois Rockford Region. The local health departments in the region continue to work closely with IDPH to identify and notify those that may have been in close contact with the individuals who have tested positive. To slow the spread of COVID-19, it is important for everyone to take steps to prevent exposure. Stay home and only leave your house for basic needs, including visiting the doctor or buying groceries, medicine, gasoline or similar supplies.
What The Public Can Do:
STAY CALM: You are not alone in this, your community is here to support you. Talk to your friends and family and let them know if you are having concerns.
STAY APART: Keep at least 6 feet away from others including while shopping. Avoid the lines by taking advantage of pick-up and delivery services for groceries and other goods.
STAY PUT: Stay home. Only go out when essential.
Be mindful of those who are at greater risk for contracting this virus, including older adults and those with underlying health conditions.
Call your healthcare provider:
If you experience fever, cough, and shortness of breath (flu like symptoms), stay home and call your healthcare provider before going to a healthcare facility. Inform them of your symptoms.
Be cautious of scammers:
There have been reports of people using fears around COVID-19 to take advantage and scam others. You should be cautious about giving money to any agency claiming to be raising funds to help with COVID-19, especially if they ask for your social security and credit card information.
For more information:
Go to IDPH and CDC websites.
http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
For general questions about COVID-19, call the IDPH hotline at 1-800-889-3931
