Updated: 8:15 p.m. Oct. 15

The Jackson County Health Department reported 21 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday and one death, a female in her 70s.

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.”

As of Thursday, there have been 1,396 confirmed cases in Jackson County and 25 deaths, according to the release, and 1,284 individuals have been released from isolation in accordance with CDC guidelines.

Franklin and Williamson Counties reported 84 cases Thursday.

Statewide, IDPH reported  4,015 confirmed cases on Thursday and 53 additional deaths, setting a new record for the state.

Region 5 of Illinois, which includes Jackson County, reached a COVID-19 test positivity rate of 8% on Oct. 10.

Once a region in Illinois has three consecutive days above 8%, the Illinois Department of Public Health will implement more measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, including closing indoor dining at bars and restaurants and limiting the capacity at gatherings.

See more:(COVID-19 Update: Region 5 of Illinois climbs to 8% positivity rate)

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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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