OTTAWA – LaSalle County Health Department (LCHD) has confirmed two additional COVID-19 cases in LaSalle County. Both cases are males in their 40s. The individuals are in isolation. Federal privacy restrictions prohibit the release of any additional information regarding this case. Public health officials are working actively to identify and investigate all individuals who were in contact with the case. No further information regarding the investigation is available at this time. The total number of cases in LaSalle County are at 13.

As COVID-19 spreads, the focus in our communities should not be whether you have been exposed but rather, assume you have been exposed and take measures to decrease the transmission to others. All LaSalle County residents are strongly encouraged to adhere to all of the required precautions necessary to protect their families and the community, to slow the spread of COVID-19.

• Stay home except for essential business, regardless of whether a person is experiencing symptoms.
• Practice social distancing, making sure to stay 6 feet from others when in public.
• Wear cloth face coverings when going to places where social distancing can be difficult to maintain.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you’re sick at home, do your best to self-isolate from others living in the home.
• 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.
• If you have experienced a cough, difficulty breathing, or a fever, stay home. If your symptoms worsen, call your healthcare provider before leaving your house so that you may be evaluated and provided further direction.

The LaSalle County Health Department encourages residents to stay informed on the evolving situation. Get the latest guidance for school, employers and community preparedness by visiting Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities or by visiting the Health Department’s website at www.lasallecounty.org. For general questions about COVID-19, call the IDPH hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.