Editor’s note: This press release is a joint effort of Whiteside County Health Department and CGH Medical Center, Sterling, IL. Here is important information to protect yourself, family, friends, clients/customers, and your co-workers. The coronavirus is here. Many people might contract it, because we have no immunity. It will eventually subside, leaving most of us immune. For now, we need to battle it with as much factual information, calm, and proper procedures as we can. Check the alcohol content of your hand sanitizer, for one thing. Soap is more powerful at killing viruses than most sanitizers. Social distancing and self confinement, if possible, are good acts.
As of Sunday, March 15, 2020, Whiteside County has identified its first positive case of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19.) Our local health officials are working closely with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Health (IDPH.) This case is considered “presumptive positive” until it is confirmed by the CDC. The individual is an adult in their 40s. Further details about the individual will not be released, to protect the privacy of the individual and their family. The individual has been isolated since testing and is currently recovering at home. Both the individual and their close contacts are being monitored by the Whiteside County Health Department.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough (or other cold or flu-like symptoms), difficulty breathing, and/or shortness of breath.
Unless it is an emergency, we advise individuals who think they may have COVID-19, or have had close contact with someone diagnosed or under evaluation for possible exposure, to STAY HOME and CALL their healthcare provider for further direction. “Close contact” means having been within six feet of that person for an extended time or being exposed to their cough or sneeze. DO NOT GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM, A WALK-IN CLINIC, OR YOUR DOCTOR’S OFFICE. CALL AHEAD AND FOLLOW YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER’S INSTRUCTIONS.
The novel coronavirus, which causes the disease known as COVID-19, is a member of the same family of viruses that causes colds. Preliminary data suggests that, while this illness is relatively mild in 80% of cases, it can cause serious complications, especially in the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. At this time, there is no approved treatment or vaccine for COVID-19. So, we need to work together as a community to protect ourselves and those most at risk for complications. We continue to encourage everyone to practice good hygiene to reduce your risk of spreading or becoming infected with a respiratory virus, such as influenza or COVID-19.
This includes:
● practicing social distancing and avoiding close contact with people who are sick
●staying home when sick with fever or respiratory symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, chest congestion, coughing, or shortness of breath)
● washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Soap and water are preferred. If they are not available at a given time, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content
● covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in the trash
● avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
● cleaning and disinfecting frequently-touched objects and surfaces.
For more information about coronavirus (COVID-19), and the latest updates and guidance in this rapidly evolving situation, please visit cdc.gov/covid19 or www.cghmc.com/covid19.
For general questions about COVID-19, call the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) hotline at 800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.