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First Gallatin County COVID-19 case reported

GALLATIN COUNTY - Egyptian Health Department reported Gallatin County's first known cae of COVID-19 Saturday.

According to a news release from the health department, it was notified of a resident who had tested positive for coronavirus.

The patient is a female in her 60s, according to the health department. She remains at home and in isolation, the department said.

The patient, the health department and the Illinois Department of Public Health all were notified and continue to monitor the situation.

In addition, public health officials are conducting an investigation of this case, according to the health department. They are speaking with people with whom the patient may have been in contact with prior to her positive COVID-19 diagnosis. Health officials may place others on home quarantine if they are determined to have had a significant exposure. Those people may not show symptoms, but are quarantined for a period of time to allow symptoms to develop and pass without creating a risk to others.

Those contacted by public health officials regarding this matter are urged to respond promptly.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Illinois has risen during the past week.

More cases are expected to be confirmed locally, as the number of tests being conducted is increasing, the health department said. 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 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.