The Coles County Health Department has confirmed the county’s first case of COVID-19. The patient is at home in isolation.

Public health officials are currently working on identifying and monitoring individuals who may have come into contact with the patient to reduce potential additional transmission.

Those with flu-like symptoms — fever, cough, shortness of breath and sore throat — are asked to stay home and contact their health care provider for guidance before seeking care.

Diana Stenger, Coles County Health Department administrator, said she encourages all citizens to isolate themselves.

“Unless it is a medical emergency, we must be disciplined to isolate ourselves at home,” Stenger said.   

She asked that the community do its part to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

“We know COVID-19 is widespread, and we’ve worked hard as a community to slow it down,” Stenger said. “Now more than ever, we have to band together to fight against the virus to support those in our community who may become ill, need our care and our assistance. It is imperative for the wellness of our community to stay healthy at home by following Gov. (J.B.) Pritzker’s ‘Stay-at-Home Order.’”

Corryn Brock can be reached at 581-2812 or at cebrock@eiu.edu.