JEFFERSON COUNTY, IL — The Illinois Department of Public Health on Sunday announced the state has a total of 11,256 cases and 274 deaths up from 7,695 cases on Friday and 210 deaths.

The number of cases in local counties increased to 15 in Clinton County, while Jackson County has seen 12 cases and one death. 5 cases have been reported by the Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department. The number remains at 3 cases in Jefferson and Marion County. There are two in Fayette County and one in Washington County. And, The Egyptian Health Department was notified of a Gallatin County resident who was the first case in the county to test positive for Coronavirus.

Following an announcement Saturday from the Jefferson County Health Department regarding its first positive test of a resident, a Mt. Vernon restaurant announced on social media that it was closing its doors for a few days to clean due to one of its employees being exposed to the virus. The JCHD reports that first county resident is a female in her 20’s.  She has been isolating at home and is doing well. Early Monday, the JCHD announced a third overall case. The patient is a male in his 60s from Jefferson County. He is in isolation at a local hospital with all appropriate precautions being taken.

The other confirmed case of the novel coronavirus in Jefferson County was found in a 50-something truck driver from Texas.

Public Health officials expect more cases to be confirmed locally, as the number of tests being conducted is increasing. The number of cases can be reduced by adhering to the Governor’s stay-at-home order, washing hands frequently, disinfecting commonly touched surfaces, and maintaining space from others when in public.

It is imperative as a community to take the necessary steps to limit the reach of COVID-19. The situation with the virus is rapidly changing and as information is available, the Health Department will release it. Stay up to date on the latest with this pandemic on our website and social media pages.