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Another COVID-19 Death in Lee County; Outbreak at Bushnell Assisted Living Facility

Lee County has reported another death related to COVID-19. The county now has at least six deaths related to the virus.

The county health department did not release further information about the case.

The latest figures from the department show 468 cases in Lee County since the pandemic began.  The majority have happened since the beginning of August.

Also in Lee County, there has been a positive case of COVID-19 reported in the treasurer’s office in the Fort Madison Administration Building. In a news release, the county said the office is closed to the public and has been deep-cleaned.

The county said anyone who visited the office between August 24 and 31 should contact their health care provider or visit the TestIowa website to determine the need to be tested for the virus.  https://www.testiowa.com/en

COVID-19 symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of sense of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion/runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Outbreak in McDonough County

The McDonough County Health Department is reporting a coronavirus outbreak at Courtyard Estates in Bushnell. The Illinois Department of Public Health defines an outbreak at an assisted living facility as one or more positive cases along with cases of other people who are ill with symptoms. 

Also in McDonough County, Mayor Mike Inman issued two temporary orders that he said should help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

One order restricts the sale of alcohol to seated customers at bars and restaurants.           The other order limits the size of gatherings to no more than 12 people in the residential areas around the Western Illinois University campus.

Health departments in the region are urging people to take precautions to minimize transmission of the coronavirus.  The recommended guidelines:

  • Wear a mask in public places
  • Maintain social distancing
  • Avoid large gatherings
  • Wash hands frequently
  • Clean and disinfect common touch surfaces such as door knobs

This story was produced by Tri States Public Radio.  TSPR relies on financial support from our readers and listeners in order to provide coverage of the issues that matter to west central Illinois, southeast Iowa, and northeast Missouri. As someone who values the content created by TSPR's news department please consider making a financial contribution.

Rich is TSPR's News Director.