COVID update: Bureau County reports 45th COVID-19-related death

The Bureau, Putnam and Marshall County Health Departments on Tuesday, Dec. 1, reported the 45th death in Bureau County due to COVID-19.

The victim was a woman in her 70s.

This brings the total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the Bureau, Putnam and Marshall County Health Departments service area to 50. There have been 45 COVID-19-related deaths in Bureau County and five in Marshall County.

Over the weekend, Bureau, Putnam and Marshall County Health Departments reported two COVID-19-related deaths — a woman in her 80s and a man in his 70s.

“On behalf of the entire staff at the Bureau, Putnam and Marshall County Health Departments, I extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of these victims of COVID-19,” said Hector Gomez, administrator of the BPMHCD.

As of last night, 5,835 persons in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 1,195 patients were in the ICU and 721 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators.

“We continue to need everyone’s cooperation in order to slow the spread of this disease until medical interventions become widely available. The only way to accomplish that is to follow the guidelines,” Gomez said.

Gomez reminded residents to remember to stay at home whenever possible and, when you must go out, make sure that you:

• Distance. Distance. Distance.

• Wear a facemask or other face cover in public, especially when distancing is not possible.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

• Avoid crowds and large gatherings, especially if you see that people are not following guidance for distancing and masks.

• Avoid any locations where employees or staff are not following guidelines and/or not encouraging customers and patrons to do the same.