The Coles County Health Department announced the death of six residents with COVID-19 Thursday afternoon.

These additional deaths bring the total COVID-19 deaths up to 112 in Coles County.

The Coles County Health Department said the following on the deaths:

“We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and friends. We ask for respect and privacy as they mourn the loss of their loved ones in this very difficult time.”

As of Thursday, Coles County has had 7,361 positive cases, 27 of which were reported on Thursday alone. The cases added to the uptick Coles County has seen in COVID-19 cases.

Of the total cases, 6,966 patients recovered.

There are 283 active cases in Coles County.

Currently, 19,083 Coles County residents are fully vaccinated, a total of 37.5% of the population.

In a social media post, the Coles County Health Department said they are “highly recommending that all community members get vaccinated, wear their masks, social distance and wash their hands.”

Additionally, they asked that residents “help protect (themselves) and (their) community from the high level of community spread occurring in Coles County.”

The News Staff can be reached at 581-2812 or at dennewsdesk@gmail.com.