March 28, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Madison County reports first coronavirus illness related to a long-term care facility resident 

WOOD RIVER — Madison County Health Department reported two new positive cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) on Saturday, including the first case connected to a long-term care facility. 

Director of Madison County Health Department Toni Corona said a Madison County woman in her 70s residing in a long-term care facility tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently in the hospital.  

“We are conducting contact tracing and working with the long-term care facility to ensure the health and safety of the residents and employees,” Corona said. 

Madison County Health Department will not identify a long-term care facility or a hospital due to patient privacy restrictions. 

Saturday’s cases bring Madison County’s total positive cases to 10 — six males and four females. 

To date, Madison County has had more than 157 tests ordered and received notification of 94 negative results. Data is provisional and subject to change. 

“At this point, we should assume that coronavirus COVID-19 is in every community and we know that it spreads easily,” Corona said. “It is imperative that people stay at home.  When you do have to leave home to use an essential business, it is vital that you continue to practice social distancing and healthy hygiene to reduce the spread of the virus.” 

It is important to obtain coronavirus information from credible sources only. Public health is working diligently to provide information, guidance, tips, reminders, and updates on a regular basis.  Public health is the lead on this global pandemic response with our sole focus being to protect the public’s health. 

Focus your efforts for information by visiting www.madisonchd.org, www.coronavirus.illinois.gov, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus, and the Madison County Health Department, Madison County Government, and Madison County EMA social media sites. 

To learn more about coronavirus and resources to help with this unprecedented time, visit the Madison County Health Department’s coronavirus page at www.co.madison.il.us/departments/health/corona_virus.php or contact the Illinois Department of Public Health’s coronavirus hotline at (800) 889-3931 or dph.sick@illinois.gov for general questions. 

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