OGLE COUNTY – Ogle County has identified its first positive case of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The health department is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). The individual is an adult in their 50s. Further details about the individual will not be released to protect the privacy of the individual and their family. Both the individual and their close contacts are being monitored by the Ogle County Health Department.

“As anticipated, this case confirms the presence of COVID-19 in our county. This case reinforces the importance of actions the public can take to protect themselves and prevent the spread in the community. The Healthcare partners in Ogle County are working closely with IDPH, the CDC, and regional partners to monitor, respond, and help limit the spread of the disease,” emergency preparedness and health coordinator Cherie Rucker stated in a press release sent out by the Ogle County Health Department just after 3 p.m. Monday. “Unless it is an emergency, we advise individuals who think they may have COVID-19, or have had close contact with someone diagnosed or under evaluation for possible exposure, to stay home and call their healthcare provider for further direction. (Close contact means having been within 6 feet of that person for an extended time or being exposed to their cough or sneeze.) Do not go to the emergency room, a walk-in clinic, health department, or to your doctor’s office. Call ahead and follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough (or other cold or flu-like symptoms), difficulty breathing and/or shortness of breath.”

What The Public Can Do:

• STAY CALM: You are not alone in this, your community is here to support you. Talk to your friends and family and let them know if you are having concerns.
• STAY APART: Keep at least 6 feet away from others.
• STAY PUT: Stay home, keep non-essential trips to a minimum. In an effort to slow down the spread of the COVID-19 disease, Governor J.B. Pritzker issued an order for Illinois residents to remain in their homes starting Saturday, March 21. This state-wide order means residents will only be able to leave the house for basic needs, including visiting the doctor or buying groceries, medicine, gasoline or similar supplies.

For more information about coronavirus (COVID-19), and the latest updates and guidance please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html or for local resources visit https://coronavirus-response-ogle.hub.arcgis.com/

For general questions about COVID-19, call the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.