As with many of you, the City of Highland has been actively monitoring the situation surrounding the COVID-19 (Coronavirus). While there have been no reported cases in Madison County, we have been in contact with the hospital and school engaging in pre-planning and are working with the Madison County Health Department to constantly monitor the guidance coming from the IL Department of Public Health and the CDC.
What is it? COVID-19 is a viral illness that can spread from person-to-person through close contact (6 feet or less). Person-to-person transmission occurs mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of those nearby, or can be inhaled into the lungs. It has not yet been determined that a person can contract COVID-19 by touching a surface that has the virus on it and then touching their own face. This is a new virus and there is still much we do not know.
Symptoms of COVID-19: Patients can present with mild to severe symptoms including fever, cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms can first start to present in as little as 2 days or as many as 14 days after exposure to the virus.
Common steps to prevent transmission:
- Practice social distancing: meaning try to remain 6 feet from those displaying symptoms, and avoid large groups of people or mass gatherings.
- Practice good handwashing techniques: When it is required to interact with the public, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If not possible, use hand sanitizer until you can get to soap and water.
- Avoid touching your face with your hands.
- Avoid touching “high touch” public surfaces, or wash your hands after doing so.
- If you are displaying flu-like symptoms, self-quarantine in order to prevent transmission to others.
To repeat, there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 in Madison County or the Highland area at this time. As the issues related to COVID-19 are very fluid and are changing rapidly, we will remain in constant contact with the Madison County Health Department and the IL Dept. of Public Health and will be closely monitoring the guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC). We are providing links to their websites below and strongly urge all citizens to take a few moments to review the guidance from these agencies.
Chief Conrad
IDPH: http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Illinois 24/7 Hotline: 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov
