LEE COUNTY — There are now 5 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Lee County. The latest positive test is a person in their 60’s. 206 Lee County residents have been tested with 191 negatives and 15 results still pending. 7 people remain in quarantine. KSB Hospital conducted an additional 11 drive thru tests today. 

Lee County has been downgraded to an “F” for the social distancing report card, according to the Unacast social distancing scoreboard. Data is collected via cellular telephone information. With the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases growing in Lee County and across the region, social distancing is our number one defense against this virus. The Lee County Unified Leadership team is asking all Lee County residents to do our part in improving our social distancing score. 

In spite of the terrible social distancing score, there was very good news today.  Home Depot has donated 5,680 n95 masks to KSB Hospital. These masks are a vital part of protecting our healthcare heroes. We offer a HUGE thank you to Home Depot for this generous donation.  The acts of kindness continued today with Mama Cimino’s donating lunch to the Lee County Health Department.

CDC Related to Masks:

From the CDC:  “In light of this new evidence, CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.”

This comes on the heels of the federal government asking the public not to even go to grocery stores or pharmacies unless absolutely necessary.  The Lee County Unified Leadership team asks people to keep others in mind and only get what they need from the grocery store. 

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.