McHenry Times

As COVID-19 continues to spread, the McHenry County Department of Health has issued a warning to residents to reduce their exposure to the virus. 

According to McHenry County Illinois’ government website, the first confirmed case of COVID-19 was detected on March 10 and since then the virus has continued to spread. 

Public Health Administrator Melissa Adamson said that maintaining an elevated sense of caution is important at this time when the virus is spreading at rapid rates. 

“We understand the county has over 20 different cities and towns, but we really want everyone to understand that the virus is not specific to one town or geographical region,” Adamson said in a press release. “We don’t want anyone to put their guard down and carry a false sense of security because we don’t know how or when some of our cases were initially exposed.”

County Board Chairman Jack Franks (D-Marengo) has echoed the Department of Health’s warning as well, saying that the order issued by Gov. J.B. Pritzker and extended through April 30 must be heeded. 

“We need all hands on deck to combat the coronavirus, but that means more than washing your hands and following Gov. Pritzker’s order to stay home,” Franks said. “We have to ensure that we don’t overwhelm our hospitals or prevent seniors from buying the food they need. We’re all in this together.”

Among the recommendations for limiting exposure are instructions to stay at home unless it is necessary to leave for grocery shopping — which may be done with a 6-foot social distancing rule in mind —essential travel and caring for loved ones who are unable to care for themselves. Grocery shopping should be done in moderation and residents are asked to not hoard and cause supply shortages. 

Visits to the doctor should be limited to those who are certain that they need help. Residents should not seek out testing for the COVID-19 virus unless a physician recommends it. 

The county also united with other entities to produce a video using the hashtag #StayHomeMcHenryCounty to emphasize the importance of staying at home during the outbreak.