CHICAGO — Peoria County is one of the two new counties in Illinois in which COVID-19 cases are being reported.
The case in Peoria county is the first case in the county. It is the second case in the Peoria area after a Woodford man was confirmed to have tested positive on Friday.
In a daily briefing sent to employees Sunday evening, OSF HealthCare said that the positive case in Peoria County was confirmed at OSF PromptCare at Glen Park in Peoria.
The Illinois Department of Public Health today announced 12 new cases of coronavirus in Illinois, bringing the total to 105 cases across 15 counties in the state.
IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said that resources are being allocated for the most severe cases of COVID-19.
“Not everyone who has respiratory symptoms like cough and shortness of breath needs to be tested,” said Ezike. ” We want to make sure those at higher risk of severe illness are prioritized for testing and that they can receive the medical care they need. We ask those who have mild symptoms to stay home so the health care system is not overwhelmed.”
Information this far suggests that most COVID-19 cases are mild, but those with severe chronic medical conditions or older people are at higher risk of developing serious illness.
In his daily news conference Monday, Governor J.B. Pritzker discussed cancellation of large group gatherings.
“I am mandating that gatherings of 50 people or more. . . will be cancelled,” said Pritzker.
Pritzker also encouraged Illinoisans to be safe and stay home whenever possible.
“It is imperative that our residents take responsibility for themselves, their families, and their communities at this moment,” said Pritzker.
Pritzker also reminded the public that after 9 p.m. tonight all bars and restaurants will close their dining rooms until the end of the month to combat the spread of the virus.
The state of Illinois has a COVID-19 hotline that can be called to answer questions that residents may have. The hotline number is 800-889-3931 and is available in English and Spanish.
