LEE COUNTY — Since our last press release on Thursday afternoon, there are 1,173 new cases of COVID-19 in Illinois for a total of 22,025 across 87 counties. The state death toll has increased by 74 for a total of 794 deaths. Over the holiday weekend, KSB Hospital received 3 new positive test results for Lee County and today the health department received 1. Two of these residents are in their 60’s, one in his or her 30’s and one in his or her 20’s. Lee County now has 13 confirmed cases.  There are currently 20 test results pending and 12 people are in quarantine.  

Lee County Health Department “Support for Seniors” Program Now Available to those with Underlying Health Conditions or with Limited Mobility:

The Lee County Health Department has extended their “Support for Seniors” program to those with underlying health conditions or with limited mobility.  The purpose of the program is to help these people avoid potential risk and exposure to COVID-19 by providing assistance in picking up groceries and other essential needs. Volunteers have undergone background checks. The number of volunteers is limited, so this service is available to those who do not have family or friends who can help with these tasks. There is a short screening process to be eligible for this assistance. If you need assistance, please contact Jennifer Kolb at the health department-815-284-3371, extension 118.

SNOW BIRDS ARE ASKED TO CONTACT THE LEE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT:

It is that time of year where “snow birds” will be returning north to their primary homes. These are people who live at a secondary residence during certain times of the year, generally traveling to areas of the country with a warmer winter temperature. If you are returning to Lee County, please contact the health department at 815-284-3371. The health department will make recommendations to keep you, your family, and our community safe.   

What to do if you think you have COVID-19: (UPDATED INFORMATION)

During the current Corona Virus outbreak, individuals with symptoms SHOULD NOT GO to health care facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers without CALLING FIRST.  Instead, they can seek care by using one of the following options:

• Use the “KSB Care Anywhere” virtual care app (https://ksbhospital.zipnosis.com/) for a free 5 question screening in order to help differentiate your symptoms between the virus and other seasonal maladies. While a credit card is required for a more involved assessment, no charges will be applied if a COVID-19 testing referral is made.
• KSB is offering a Coronavirus HOTLINE, by which symptoms can be evaluated against federal screening guidelines, and if appropriate, a referral is made to their Drive-Thru Screening site. The screening site is available ONLY through the hotline and between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm on weekdays by calling 815-285-7777.
• Residents with a Primary Care Practitioner can also CALL their office for advice. Again, CALL FIRST before going to the office.

Residents can go to the following websites for additional information:

Go to KSB, IDPH, or CDC websites.  Lee County Health Department provides regular updates on its Facebook page.

• https://www.ksbhospital.com/coronavirus-outbreak-covid-19/
• http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus
• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• For businesses: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html
• Facebook: Lee County IL Health Department

For general questions about COVID-19, call the IDPH hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or 211.