McHenry Co. Health: Study Shows Importance Of Social Distancing

Press release from the McHenry County Health Department:

04/11/2020 10:04 AM

WOODSTOCK –The McHenry County Department of Health is reminding families to avoid gathering in large groups and continue to physically distance from others after a new study found gatherings held before a stay at home order was in place likely led to a cluster of 16 confirmed or probable COVID-19 cases. The report documents one mildly ill individual who attended a funeral and birthday party and likely infected 16 other people through close contact and food sharing. Three of the 16 cases passed away.

The study, which was released by the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday, supports the CDC’s social distancing recommendations, including to avoid gatherings with persons from multiple households.

“Holidays are typically a time of joy and celebration for families,” said MCDH Medical Advisor Dr. Laura Buthod. “With this confirmation of how easily the virus spreads, we must protect our loved ones and stay home. Gather via video chats this weekend and save lives.”

McHenry County currently has 206 confirmed cases and six deaths. Confirmed cases are updated on MCDH's COVID-19 website every day by 4 p.m.

Get the latest guidance for school, employers and community preparedness by visiting Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities or by visiting mcdh.info. For general questions about COVID-19, call the IDPH hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.

This press release was produced by the McHenry County Health Department. The views expressed here are the author’s own.