BUREAU COUNTY - Two residents of Bureau County have tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The Bureau, Putnam & Marshall County Health Departments announced on March 27 the first individual was screened and tested by an area hospital.

Public health officials were notified of the positive test, according to state and local public health protocol. The individual, a 47-year-old male, is recovering at home in isolation. The health department has been working to identify people who were in contact with the patient.

On March 31, a second case of coronavirus was confirmed in Bureau County after a 48-year-old woman tested positive while at a hospital. She is recovering at home in isolation. Public health officials are in the beginning stages of the investigation and are working to identify and investigate all individuals who were in contact with the case.

The names and towns the individuals live in are not being released. Federal privacy restrictions prohibit the release of any additional information.

Bureau, Putnam and Marshall County Health Department Director Hector Gomez says, “As more testing becomes available we expect to see the number of confirmed cases continue to rise in our counties.”

This was the third confirmed case of COVID-19 in counties served by the Bureau, Putnam and Marshall County Health Departments. The first case was reported in Marshall County on March 23.

Governor Pritzker’s “Stay at Home Executive Order” is currently in effect until April 30. It is important that residents take this order seriously and do everything they can to protect themselves, their family and their community from COVID-19 during this time.

Residents are encouraged to learn more about COVID-19 and how to protect families and the community from being exposed to the virus. This includes:

• Stay home when you are sick.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Prevent community spread by staying away from crowds.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol based
  hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning

spray or wipe.

Individuals who have questions or concerns about COVID-19 can contact the Illinois Department of Public Health Hotline at 1-800-889-3931.