Despite last Friday’s good news that Randolph County was no longer listed as under an “orange” warning status by the Illinois Department of Public Health, this week did not start out well.
On Friday, Sept. 11, Randolph County Health Department Administrator Angela Oathout noted the change in the status, pointing out that this indicated Randolph County’s metrics were stable.
However, on Monday, Sept. 14, Oathout reported three additional COVID-19 related deaths. That brings the total number of deaths for Randolph County up to 11.
Oathout noted that the three deaths were not related. She did not provide any additional information about the individuals.
IDPH, as of Tuesday, had only noted two of the three recent deaths. The first was reported on Sept. 14 as a female in her 80s. The second was reported on Sept. 15 as a male in his 80s.
As of Sept. 14, Oathout reported that there was a total of 876 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases in the county, with 79 being active.
She added, “The COVID-19 virus is community spread and we are experiencing a steady rise in positive COVID-19 cases throughout the county. Please follow the recommended guidelines, wear a mask any time you are in public and are not able to maintain a distance of six feet (or more) between you and others. Stay away from areas where groups of people congregate, refrain from any physical contact and wash your hands frequently.”
For more COVID updates, please see this week’s print edition.