Please note: Case counts do not include patients with COVID-19 symptoms that were not tested. Those with mild symptoms are most often directed to self-monitor at home without testing.
The Winnebago County Health Department has issued a COVID-19 Face Covering Advisory to control the transmission of COVID-19 throughout our communities. We've worked hard to control the spread of COVID-19 so far, but the virus has not gone away and is still a significant threat to our community. This is a critical time to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and maintain a level of transmission that is manageable by our healthcare and public health systems. Evidence shows cloth face coverings help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others. The CDC estimates that 40% of all COVID-19 infections are people who are asymptomatic, meaning they do not have symptoms but can still transmit the virus to others. The efforts we all take now will determine how well the virus continues to be contained.
People of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. The CDC recently determined there is increased risk of severe COVID-19 among individuals with cancer. At this time, it is not known whether having a history of cancer increases your risk. It is especially important for people at increased risk, and those who live with them, to protect themselves from getting COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself and to help reduce the spread is to:
Limit your interactions with other people as much as possible.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after going to the bathroom, blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
If you do not have soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Cough or sneeze into an elbow if no tissue is available. Wash your hands.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household disinfectant cleaning spray or wipe.
