Jackson County Health Department reported 50 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday.

The cases included seven under the age of 10, one preteen, two teens, six in their 20s, five in their 30s, six in their 40s, four in their 50s, eight in their 60s, eight in their 70s and three in their 80s.

As of Wednesday, there have been 2,592 confirmed cases in Jackson County and 32 deaths, according to the release, and 2,124 individuals have been released from isolation in accordance with CDC guidelines.

According to a health department press release, Jackson County is at elevated risk for local COVID-19 exposure. This week, the health department renewed its recommendation to schools to consider halting in-person learning due to continued community spread and an increase in youth (under 20) COVID-19 cases.

“Final decisions regarding school operations rest with each school district,” the release said. “Schools that have significant issues successfully conducting remote learning, and have the ability to provide for adequate masking and social distancing throughout the school day, make the best candidates for continuing in-person learning.”

Franklin and Williamson Counties reported 125 cases Wednesday and two deaths.

Statewide, the Illinois Department of Health reported 11,378 confirmed cases on Wednesday and 155 additional deaths.

As of Wednesday, there have been 685,467 positive cases in the state of Illinois and 11,832 deaths.

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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