McHenry Co. Coronavirus: Virus Considered Widespread

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — While the number of confirmed new coronavirus cases still remains relatively low in McHenry County, that doesn't meant the virus isn't out there and spreading, local officials said Thursday. The McHenry County Department of Health is encouraging all, regardless of health and age, to continue to reduce their risk of COVID-19 exposure by limiting outings and avoiding gatherings.

“We understand the county has over 20 different cities and towns, but we really want everyone to understand that the virus is not specific to one town or geographical region,” said Public Health Administrator Melissa Adamson. “We don’t want anyone to put their guard down and carry a false sense of security because we don’t know how or when some of our cases were initially exposed.”

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The first case of COVID-19 was reported on March 10. Local health officials have not determined how the person came in contact with COVID-19, which means the virus had already begun to circulate through the county, according to the health department's statement.

This past wee, health officials announced its first McHenry County resident, a man in his 70s from Crystal Lake who tested positive for coronavirus, had died. Health officials are working with the coroner's office to determine the man's official cause of death.

• Crystal Lake Man With Coronavirus Dies: Health Officials

The McHenry County Department of Health is maintaining a count of cases in the county, which is updated daily at 5 p.m., on its website. The health department will not include information that would allow the public to identify the patients.

"We extend this protection to everyone, and ask that all interested parties respect the privacy of others in the same way," according to the health department.

Meanwhile, the McHenry County Health Department is reminding residents to take the following precautions if they think they have COVID-19:

• Isolate yourself from others for a minimum of 7 days after symptoms appear
• Wait at least 72 hours to end isolation after you are fever-free and feeling well (without fever-reducing medication)
• Call your healthcare provider if you are sick and your symptoms are worsening

More via the McHenry County Department of Health and the Illinois Department of Public Health Coronavirus Response website. For general questions about COVID-19, call the IDPH hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.

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