79 new COVID-19 cases in Perry County over weekend

Seventy-nine new cases of the coronavirus came to the attention of the Perry County Health Department between Friday and Monday.

It brings the total number of positive cases in Perry County to 653 since the pandemic began and there are 172 currently active cases, according to the health department.

The recently diagnosed individuals include: one girl and three boys under 10; eight girls between 13 and 19; eight boys between 16-18; seven women and three men in their 20s; four women and seven men in their 30s; five women and two men in their 40s; six women and one man in their 50s; five women and four men in their 60s; five women and four men in their 70s; three women and three men in their 80s.

The summary of the 653 confirmed cases are: 172 active cases; 465 people released from isolation; and 16 deaths.

The Perry County Health Department is monitoring the situation along with the Illinois Department of Public Health, both local hospitals in Perry County and local emergency management authorities.

The patients are in isolation and working with the Perry County Health Department. If you have any questions, please contact the Perry County Health Department at (618) 357-5371.

If you experience symptoms of respiratory illness, such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, call your health care provider for medical advice. Please protect yourself and others by staying home as much as possible. Continue social distancing of 6 feet or more, avoid large groups or gatherings of people, wash your hands frequently, and use a cloth face coverings in community settings.

For any additional updates or educational information, please visit The Perry County Health Department's Facebook page.