The Kane County Health Department (KCHD) announced Tuesday that Chris Lauzen, chairman of the Kane County Board, issued a Public Health Emergency Declaration for Kane County, Illinois in response to the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. The measure allows KCHD to shift resources quickly to assist affected residents, businesses, and communities.
This order, issued, expires in seven days unless extended by resolution of the Kane County Board. The Declaration notes:
There are were 160 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Illinois, including one death, with three confirmed cases in Kane County. Kane County has limited funding and resources to respond to this pandemic, and by making a formal declaration under Section 11 of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act the County is enabled the County to respond best to protect the interests and safety of its residents.
The Declaration orders coordination between the Kane County Office of Emergency Management and KCHD to “proceed with all haste to bring said public health emergency to a rapid conclusion in the best interest of the residents of Kane County pursuant to the provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act, as amended.”
Saturday, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) confirmed the third positive case of COVID-19 in the County. The patient is being treated at a hospital outside of the county.
KCHD understands there is a high demand for information. We want to provide as much information as possible, but our top priority is investigating all cases and protecting patient confidentiality. We are sharing as much information as we can as soon as we can.
If you think you have the symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, and difficulty breathing), please stay at home and CALL your doctor or health provider first to report a suspected illness. Your health care provider will order testing. COVID-19 tests are not done at the Kane County Health Department.
The State of Illinois has set up The Illinois COVID-19 Hotline and email address to provide consistent information, answer questions, share facts about symptoms, and provides up-to-date information from the CDC. Call 1-800-889-3931 anytime or send to Dph.Sick@Illinois.Gov.
For additional information and current updates on the novel coronavirus situation, please visit the KCHD website at KaneHealth.com.
As in all viral cases, you should wash your hands frequently, avoid interacting with those who are sick and make sure you are up to date on your immunizations.
— Kane County Health Department