LEE COUNTY — The Lee County Health Department reported that there have been 5 Lee County resident deaths throughout March. These are not facility-related; they are community members living at home and unrelated. The ages are 3 in his or her 80s, 1 in his or her 60s and 1 in her or her 50s.

Between March 23-29, the Lee County Health Department has reported a total of 123 new cases have been reported, including three from the Dixon Correctional Center and one from Avonlea Cottage. Here are the ages that were reported: 17 under the age of 12, 12 in his or her teens, 18 in his or her 20s, 16 in his or her 30s, 17 in his or her 40s, 16 in his or her 50s, 13 in his or her 60s, 6 in his or her 70s, 3 in his or her 80s, and 1 on his or her 90s. 

This brings the total number of cases to 3,424 as of March 29. They also reported as of March 29, nine residents have been hospitalized and 65 residents have died.

The Lee County Health Department’s website has a COVID-19 section, including information for people who have tested positive. This provides guidance as you wait to hear from one of the health department’s contact tracers. There is sometimes a delay between residents receiving their positive results and the report getting to the health department; additionally, they are experiencing a surge in cases and likely have a good number of people already on their list to be contacted in the order received. See www.LCHD.com/Covid19 for more.

Vaccine

As of March 26, according to IDPH 13,075 does of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Lee County, and a total of 4,492 people in Lee County have received both does of the vaccine.

LCHD is working with the Illinois National Guard to offer a Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine clinic on Saturday, April 3 in Dixon. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires only 1 dose. 

This clinic is open to anyone over 18 who lives in or works in Lee County. Appointments are needed. The link for appointments was posted on Sunday, March 28, and as of Monday, March 29, the event is fully booked.

As for the LCHD regular, ongoing clinics, they will be opening up to all Lee County residents or employees over the age of 18, but will first serve those already on the health department’s list from earlier phases.  The health department reports they have made great progress on this list, and will be transitioning to a self-sign up format for appointment times More information will be made available at a later date.