To the communities of Saline, Gallatin and White Counties, Egyptian Health Department would like to say πππππ πππ for looking to and following us for your daily COVID-19 updates as this pandemic has gone on for nearly two years. In the past two years, Egyptian Health Department has sent out over 650 COVID-19 updates! We know many of our community members appreciated those updates, and we are extremely proud of all of our employees who have shown their dedication to our communities. [Read more...]
Illinois Launches βOn the Fenceβ Campaign to Encourage Vaccinations
Campaign Features Powerful Testimonials from Illinoisans
With the current surge of COVID-19 cases due to the highly contagious Omicron variant, the State of Illinois launched a new vaccine awareness campaign to explain the power of the life-saving vaccine. The βOn the Fenceβ campaign features 18 meaningful stories from Illinoisans who were initially hesitant but are now fully vaccinated.
As health experts continue to advise unvaccinated individuals to get their life-saving shot, the campaign is directed to residents who are reluctant to get vaccinated. The campaign will roll out over the coming months, including stories from people who reflect the racial and socioeconomic diversity of the state. [Read more...]
State of Illinois Takes Over Contact Tracing for Most Covid Cases Starting Tomorrow, January 13
Cππππππ πππππππ ππππππ: Egyptian Health Department Effective January 13, 2022
To keep you informed, but subject to change by the State. To enhance the Contact Tracing efforts, the State of Illinois is implementing a new contact tracing process. Starting January 13, 2022, ALL positive COVID-19 cases and close contacts will be managed through the State COVID-19 Surge Center. Egyptian Health Department will only be involved with cases in congregate care facilities such as: nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and jails/prisons. [Read more...]
Illinois Department of Public Health Announces COVID-19 Antivirals Available in the Coming Weeks
Antivirals will be by prescription only and can help prevent severe illness
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is announcing two new COVID-19 oral antivirals, Paxlovid (Pfizer) and Molnupiravir (Merck), will be available in Illinois later this month. The antivirals are for those with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk for becoming severely ill, including hospitalization or death. Both antivirals will be available by prescription only and should be taken as soon as possible after being diagnosed and within five days of the beginning of symptoms. Paxlovid is expected to reduce the risk of hospitalizations by 89% and Molnupiravir by about 30%. Molnupiravir is meant for use when other treatment options are not available. [Read more...]
Egyptian Health Department Issues a Contract Tracing Update Effective Jan. 13
πππππππ πππππππ ππππππ: Egyptian Health Department Effective January 13, 2022
To keep you informed, but subject to change by the State. To enhance the Contact Tracing efforts, the State of Illinois is implementing a new contact tracing process. Starting January 13, 2022, ALL positive COVID-19 cases and close contacts will be managed through the State COVID-19 Surge Center. Egyptian Health Department will only be involved with cases in congregate care facilities such as: nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and jails/prisons. [Read more...]
Illinois Department of Public Health Adds Partnership to Enhance and Expand K-12 School COVID-19 Testing
To help increase capacity and facilitate faster access to COVID-19 testing in schools across the state, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has partnered with the U.S. Health and Human Servicesβ Midwest COVID-19 Testing Coordination Center (MCC) to provide testing to all public and private schools that are now seeking to establish a testing program. [Read more...]
Public Health Officials Announce 25,956 New Cases of Coronavirus Disease Over the Past Week
More than 80% of Illinois adults have received at least one vaccine dose and almost 63% are fully vaccinated
SPRINGFIELDΒ β The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 25,956 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 285 additional deaths since reporting last Friday, September 10, 2021.Β More than 80% of Illinois adults have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose and almost 63%% of Illinois adults are fully vaccinated, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Β Of Illinoisβ total population, more than 67% has received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose and more than 52% of Illinoisβ total population is fully vaccinated. [Read more...]
Joint Press Release from Southern Illinois Community College Presidents
"Our local community colleges are working hard to develop and operationalize mitigation protocols at our various campuses. Our region has for many weeks now been an area with a dangerously high transmission rate of COVID-19. While each of our campuses will implement procedures that best fit our campus communities, it is essential to recognize that we are unified in our message and our adherence to state and federal guidance and orders regarding vaccination and testing. It is vital to note that we are unified in ensuring our students and staff can visit our campuses, knowing that their safety is our top priority. [Read more...]