Residents Must Do More To Stop Coronavirus: Kane Co. Health Dept.

Jason Addy
·3 min read

KANE COUNTY, IL — Kane County public health officials issued a plea Friday for more residents to do their part to limit the spread of the coronavirus after state officials placed the county on a warning list for new restrictions.

The county triggered warnings from the Illinois Department of Public Health by recording 105 cases per 100,000 people and growing death totals over the past few weeks.

Kane Co. Added To Watch List For New Coronavirus Restrictions

The state’s benchmark is set at 50 cases per 100,000 people — less than half of Kane County’s figure as of Aug. 8 — while seven deaths were reported between Aug. 2 and Aug. 8, up from five deaths the previous week and four deaths the week before, according to public health data.

Kane County Health Department Director Barbara Jeffers called on residents to redouble their commitment to following public health guidelines to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

10,000+ Coronavirus Cases In Kane County; 305 Deaths

“We are seeing too many people disregarding recommendations,” which is fueling the recent growth in new cases, Jeffers said in a news release. She warned that rising cases could lead to new restrictions and “disruptions” for businesses and schools.

Illinois Coronavirus Update Aug. 14 — Don't miss updates in the Kane County area as they are announced — Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

“By practicing proven measures today, we will reduce future cases, which in turn reduces disruptions in our business and school communities,” Jeffers said, imploring residents to wear masks and practice safe social distancing when out in public.

Residents should also wash their hands regularly, avoid large gatherings and stay home if they are feeling ill, Jeffers said.

Kane Co. Jail On Lockdown After 2 Test Positive For Coronavirus

The Kane County Health Department announced Friday that it will increase its contract-tracing staff fivefold. Ninety full-time contact tracers will be conducting investigations and tracing exposure points throughout the county starting Monday.

Wife Died After Butcher Brought Coronavirus Home From Work: Suit

Officials are aiming to respond to every confirmed case within 24 hours to “quickly provide guidance to ill and potentially exposed residents,” the release states.

Drive-Thru Events To Prepare Aurora Students For New School Year

“It is important for residents to answer the phone and participate in the investigation process,” Jeffers said. “In cooperating with the investigation, residents are potentially saving someone’s life by stopping the spread of the virus.”

Killer Sent Back To Prison After Being Paroled Due To Math Error

Kane County health officials said they are working with the Kane County Sheriff’s Office and the State’s Attorney’s Office to investigate and enforce public health mandates at local businesses. Officials encouraged residents to report concerns about businesses that are not following the mandates to call 630-208-3801 or email COVIDConcerns@co.kane.il.us.

REGIONAL NEWS:

This article originally appeared on the Aurora Patch