County health update given

The Livingston County Public Health Department director updated Livingston County Board members on the local COVID-19 situation during Thursday’s board meeting held online.

Jackie Dever reported 17 confirmed cases in the county with 13 of those cases removed from isolation and improving or have improved. Two individuals are on home isolation recovering. Also, two county residents are hospitalized – one in Pontiac and the other in Bloomington. One has come off of a ventilator which Dever considers great news.

“Both of them are doing better actually,” Dever said.

The county had over 200 negative tests and continues to hold briefings with the local hospital each morning. Dever said her department is in constant contact with area long-term care facilities.

An alternative housing plan is coming from the state level through the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, or IEMA.

“That’s for people who may be homeless or just need to be away from their home,” explained Dever.

Symptoms health officials are looking for in COVID-19 patients include cough, shortness of breath, possible neurological issues and GI problems. While some fevers remain low-grade at around 100.4 degrees, some have gone up to 105.

County board member Joel Barickman thanked Dever and the health workers for their efforts during a difficult time.

“Keep up the good work everybody,” Barickman said.

Member Jason Bunting said he was told it could be another couple of weeks before a peak is seen in Illinois.