Updated: 10:08 p.m. Oct. 11

The Jackson County Health Department reported 7 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday and Jackson county has been declared to be at warning level this week by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

A county is considered to be at warning level when it exceeds two or more thresholds set by IDPH to measure the spread of COVID-19.

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“The incidence of COVID-19 has been relatively low the past three weeks in Jackson County. Overall, Jackson County residents have been doing well at wearing masks, social distancing and limiting social gatherings,” JCHD administrator Bart Hagston said. “However, we are beginning to see an increase in cases this week, and emergency room visits for COVID-19 symptoms are up. Now is definitely not the time to let up – please keep taking all the recommended precautions.”

Additionally, Jackson County is part of Region 5 of Illinois, which has seen a 21% increase in hospitalizations for COVID-like illnesses over the past two weeks.

“When a region does not meet the thresholds set for various indicators, a region may be moved into further mitigation measures, beyond the Phase 4 measures already in place,” the release said. “These additional measures, implemented by IDPH, would include advanced restrictions on various activities, including indoor dining and social gatherings.”

The release said residents of Region 5 should be following all necessary public health precautions to avoid the region having additional restrictions placed on it.

As of Sunday, there have been 1,351  confirmed cases in Jackson County and 24 deaths, according to the release, and 1,265 individuals have been released from isolation in accordance with CDC guidelines.

Franklin and Williamson Counties reported 37 cases Sunday.

Statewide, IDPH reported  2,727 confirmed cases on Sunday and 9 additional deaths.

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The Jackson County Health Department asks all residents to follow public health guidelines by wearing a mask in public, maintaining social distance, avoiding social gatherings, washing hands frequently and working with health department officials as they conduct contact tracing.

If you are experiencing fever, cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle aches, loss of taste or smell, nausea or diarrhea, you should contact your healthcare provider for further guidance.

The Daily Egyptian’s News Desk can be reached at 1-618-536-3329, by email at [email protected] or on Twitter at @dailyegyptian.

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