Ford County Public Health Department Announces Third Positive COVID-19 Case
The Ford County Public Health Department (FCPHD) is announcing one additional case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19),
for a total of three confirmed cases in Ford County. The individual is a female in her 60’s. Public health officials are
investigating and contacting all individuals who may have had exposure to the individual that tested positive for COVID-19.
Federal privacy restrictions prohibit the release of any further information.
FCPHD continues to encourage all residents to conduct preventive measures, practice social distancing, and follow Gov.
Pritzker’s Stay at Home Executive Order through April 30, 2020. COVID-19 appears to spread from person-to-person mainly
with close contact (less than 6 feet), but may also be spread by a surface that has the virus and then touching one’s mouth,
nose, or possibly one’s eyes. Illinois Department of Public Health states that the spread is through respiratory droplets
produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
FCPHD reminds everyone to do their part to help stop the spread of this virus by following the Stay at Home Order, practicing
social distancing, and continuing preventive measures. Even though Ford County has three confirmed cases, “Please assume
that COVID-19 is everywhere in our community,” stated Lana Sample, Public Health Administrator.
As a reminder, preventive measures that you can take are:
• Wash hands with soap for at least 20 seconds
• Clean frequently touched surfaces
• Cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue, dispose and wash hands
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Wear a cloth face covering in public settings.
• Make sure to stay 6-10 feet away from others when in public
If you have symptoms, please follow these guidelines:
• Stay home except to get medical care. Call ahead before visiting your doctor’s office.
• Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home. Stay in a specific room and use a separate bathroom, if
available.
• Avoid sharing personal household items
• If available, wear a facemask when you are around other people
• Monitor your symptoms. Call your health care provider if you have:
- Fever, cough, trouble breathing, or other flu-like symptoms that are not better or are worsening after 24-48
hours.
- Mild symptoms and are an older adult or have any of the chronic health conditions (cancer,
immunosuppression, heart, lung, or kidney disease, and diabetes)
Please visit FCPHD’s website (www.fordcountyphd.org) and follow our Facebook page to get the most up-to-date COVID-19
information in Ford County.