MARION COUNTY — Marion County Health Department was notified Tuesday of a county resident who tested positive for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), bringing the county total to 14. The individual, a female in her 40s, is reportedly doing well and is at home on isolation.

Public health officials have begun an investigation of this case, speaking with individuals who they may have come into contact with before this diagnosis.

Through their investigation, officials may place other individuals on home quarantine if they are determined to have had significant exposure.

Such individuals may not be symptomatic but are quarantined for a period of time which allows symptoms to develop and pass, without posing risk to others.

If you are contacted by public health officials, please respond promptly.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Illinois has risen dramatically over the past week. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), there are 22,025 cases of confirmed COVID-19 in the state. There are now 14 confirmed positive cases in Marion County.

We can expect more cases to be confirmed locally, as the number of tests being conducted is increasing.

The number of cases can be reduced by adhering to public health guidance on social distancing, washing hands frequently, disinfecting commonly touched surfaces, and staying home when you are ill.

COVID-19 shares many symptoms with more common respiratory diseases.

If you have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing, call your health care provider for further guidance.
In addition, St, Mary’s Hospital (SSM) has established a free virtual COVID-19 evaluation at www.ssmhealth.com.