“STARK COUNTY STAYS AT WARNING LEVEL FOR CORONAVIRUS DISEASE”
The Stark County Health Department is alerting residents that as of Friday, April 30, 2021, our Stark County-Level COVID-19 Risk Metrics remain at orange. Orange status indicates there are warning signs of increased COVID-19 risk in the county.
These metrics are intended to be used for local level awareness for each county’s progress during Phase 4 and will help local leaders, businesses, local health departments, and the public make informed decisions and promote healthy behaviors. Individuals, families, and community groups can use these metrics to help inform their choices about personal and family gatherings, as well as what activities they choose to do.
Stark County COVID-19 cases are on the rise. As of April 30, 2021 we had a total of 627 confirmed positive and probable cases.
In addition, per the county-level risk metrics provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health: * Stark County new cases are above the 50 mark or more new cases per 100,000 people; as of today we stand at 203 new cases per 100,000; and Stark County’s weekly ICU Bed Availability percentage is 16% below the State’s 20% needed metric trigger mark.
Duane Stevens, Henry & Stark County Public Health Administrator states, “It is important our area understand how easily COVID-19 is actively spreading. Stark County is experiencing community spread of the virus, meaning that some people testing positive for COVID-19 are not able to pinpoint when or where they may have become infected. This is happening all over the county, not one particular area or town.”
Stevens adds, “We have seen instances of general masking non-compliance by some individuals, businesses, and groups in congregate settings which can lead our current infection numbers. Contact tracing staff members have noted that they are often challenged in their efforts by some cases not being honest in disclosing all their close contacts. We have also seen a lag and delay in seeking testing by individuals with symptoms; as they are attributing them to other maladies such as allergies, stomach flu, sinus infections, etc.”
Another concerning trend is the high percentage of cases being identified in those 29 years and younger. The Health Department wants to remind young people, the COVID-19 pandemic is not over and it continues to be a serious public health threat. Young people can easily become infected with COVID-19, not experience symptoms and then pass the virus to others more at risk. Those who choose not to wear a mask or disregard the importance of social distancing are putting their parents, grandparents, co-workers, and community at risk.
The Health Department and the Henry County Office of Emergency Management are encouraging everyone to do their part and continue to recognize the role they play in helping Stark County slow the spread of COVID-19. We remind local residents, employers, and businesses to note the rising Covid-19 cases numbers and please follow the current Covid-19 mitigation measures of Getting a Covid-19 Vaccination if you are 16 years of age and older; wear a face mask when in public, observe social distances of 6ft, avoid congregate settings, wash and sanitize your hands frequenting. To get registered for a Covid-19 Vaccine go to www.henrystarkhealth.com for “open” and “coming” clinic registrations.
Face coverings are effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and are one of the best prevention tools available to the public at this time. As a result, all businesses, service facilities or organization open to the public shall require employees, customers, and other individuals on the premises who are over age two to cover their nose and mouth with a face covering when on premises and unable to maintain at least a six-foot social distance. Additionally, gatherings of more than 50 people (or gatherings of 50% or more of a building’s maximum occupancy) are prohibited unless exempted by law or Executive Order. To report places of business or organizations violating these mitigation actions: Call the Pandemic Compliance Hotline for Henry & Stark Counties at (309) 883-5057; or send an email to COVID@EMA-HC.com
Date: April 30, 2021
“HENRY COUNTY STAYS AT WARNING LEVEL FOR CORONAVIRUS DISEASE”
The Henry County Health Department is alerting residents that as of Friday, April 30, 2021, our County-Level COVID-19 Risk Metrics remain at orange. Orange status indicates there are warning signs of increased COVID-19 risk in the county.
These metrics are intended to be used for local level awareness for each county’s progress during Phase 4 and will help local leaders, businesses, local health departments, and the public make informed decisions and promote healthy behaviors. Individuals, families, and community groups can use these metrics to help inform their choices about personal and family gatherings, as well as what activities they choose to do.
Henry County COVID-19 cases are on the rise. As of April 30, we have a total of 4859 confirmed positive and probable cases.
In addition, per the county-level risk metrics provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health: * Henry County new cases are above the 50 mark or more new cases per 100,000 people; as of today we stand at 159 new cases per 100,000; and Henry County’s weekly ICU Bed Availability percentage is 16% below the State’s 20% needed metric trigger mark.
Duane Stevens, Henry & Stark County Public Health Administrator states, “It is important our area understand how easily COVID-19 is actively spreading. Henry County is experiencing community spread of the virus, meaning that some people testing positive for COVID-19 are not able to pinpoint when or where they may have become infected. This is happening all over the county, not one particular area or town.”
Stevens adds, “We have seen instances of general masking non-compliance by some individuals, businesses, and groups in congregate settings which can lead our current infection numbers. Contact tracing staff members have noted that they are often challenged in their efforts by some cases not being honest in disclosing all their close contacts. We have also seen a lag and delay in seeking testing by individuals with symptoms; as they are attributing them to other maladies such as allergies, stomach flu, sinus infections, etc.”
Another concerning trend is the high percentage of cases being identified in those 29 years and younger. The Health Department wants to remind young people, the COVID-19 pandemic is not over and it continues to be a serious public health threat. Young people can easily become infected with COVID-19, not experience symptoms and then pass the virus to others more at risk. Those who choose not to wear a mask or disregard the importance of social distancing are putting their parents, grandparents, co-workers, and community at risk.
The Health Department and the Henry County Office of Emergency Management are encouraging everyone to do their part and continue to recognize the role they play in helping Henry County slow the spread of COVID-19. We remind local residents, employers, and businesses to note the rising Covid-19 cases numbers and please follow the current Covid-19 mitigation measures of Getting a Covid-19 Vaccination if you are 16 years of age and older; wear a face mask when in public, observe social distances of 6ft, avoid congregate settings, wash and sanitize your hands frequenting. To get registered for a Covid-19 Vaccine go to www.henrystarkhealth.com for “open” and “coming” clinic registrations.
Face coverings are effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and are one of the best prevention tools available to the public at this time. As a result, all businesses, service facilities or organization open to the public shall require employees, customers, and other individuals on the premises who are over age two to cover their nose and mouth with a face covering when on premises and unable to maintain at least a six-foot social distance. Additionally, gatherings of more than 50 people (or gatherings of 50% or more of a building’s maximum occupancy) are prohibited unless exempted by law or Executive Order. To report places of business or organizations violating these mitigation actions: Call the Pandemic Compliance Hotline for Henry & Stark Counties at (309) 883-5057; or send an email to COVID@EMA-HC.com
“HENRY & STARK COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND HENRY COUNTY OEM NOTE FRIDAY, MAY 7TH MODERNA DRIVE THRU COVID CLINIC REGISTRATION AVAILABLE ONLINE”
The Henry and Stark County Health Department and the Henry County Office of Emergency Management announce its online registration system for the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Drive Thru Clinic scheduled for Friday, May 7th is open. The clinic is for anyone seeking a First or Second Dose of the Moderna Covid Vaccine, and will be held at Black Hawk College-East Campus, 26230 Black Hawk Road, Galva, IL.
Those eligible to participate include anyone 18 years of Age and older who have not yet been vaccinated.
For those “Without Internet Access” or “Spanish Speaking” we now have a “Phone In” Registration for the COVID-19 Vaccination Series. Those eligible to participate in this Phone-In registration are any Henry and Stark County residents who truly have no internet access or are Spanish speaking only. The number of appointments is limited and will be given out on a first come, first served basis. To register please call the Health Department at (309) 852-7242 Monday through Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm.
To reserve your participation at the scheduled Drive-Thru Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic simply to go to their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com and complete an On-Line “COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Registration Form.” To enroll you will only need to be able to access our website. Be sure to check the appropriate box denoting First or Second Dose. Please note, upon completion of registration for the clinic participants will now see a confirmation page and no longer receive a confirming email. Please continue to email any questions and cancellations to covid@ema-hc.com.
DO NOT COME EARLY, there is sufficient vaccine for all time slots. You will only need to bring a valid Government ID. (No Insurance or Cost necessary) Once clinics are closed due to available vaccine; please choose another clinic date & register. Clinics will be added for the foreseeable future.
The clinics will be held at Black Hawk College-East Campus, 26230 Black Hawk Road, Galva, IL. Clinics and number of participants will be based on vaccine availability and are subject to change. Drive-Thru clinics and site limitations are necessary due to social distancing requirements, central location for entire service area, winter weather conditions, and the recommended wait time after receiving the vaccine.
The Health Department and OEM want thank all our area residents for their continued support and patience during the Covid-19 vaccine distribution rollout and note that when we work together there’s nothing we cannot achieve and overcome. For more information on the Covid-19 vaccine distribution plan in Illinois go to: http://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/vaccine-faq
Date: May 5, 2021
“HENRY & STARK COUNTY RELEASES WEEKLY DATA ON CONFIRMED POSITIVE & PROBABLE COVID-19 CASES”
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce they have a cumulative total of 4879 “Confirmed Positive” and “Probable” Cases of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Henry County and 630 “Confirmed Positive” and “Probable” Cases in Stark County. The Department is now releasing its weekly “current data” on confirmed positive and probable cases:
Henry County Cumulative Confirmed Positive and Probable Covid-19 Cases: *4879
Henry County Current Active Cases: *82
Henry County Deaths: *63
Stark County Cumulative Confirmed Positive and Probable Covid-19 Cases: *630 Stark County Current Active Cases: *16
Stark County Deaths: *23
Henry & Stark County Cumulative Confirmed Positive & Probable Covid-19 Cases:
*5509
Henry & Stark County Current Active Covid-19 Cases: *98
*Based On Confirmed Positive and Probable Covid-19 Cases As Of 5-4-21, Cumulative & Current Totals.
The Health Department notes, “Following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, beginning November 6, 2020 and going forward, IDPH will report confirmed cases and probable cases combined. A confirmed case is laboratory confirmed via molecular test. A probable case meets clinical criteria AND is epidemiologically linked, or has a positive antigen test. If a probable case is later confirmed, the case will be deduplicated and will only be counted once. Probable deaths and confirmed deaths will continue to be reported separately.”
The Health Department notes as we learn more about how the virus is spread throughout our county, state, and nation our reporting mechanisms will change and be tweaked in order to give people a better understanding. By combining the positive by test and probable cases, we now have a greater understanding and more accurate knowledge of the covid-19 virus’ reach and effect in our communities.
The Health Department releases this recovery information on confirmed positive and probable cases in Henry and Stark Counties on a weekly basis.
The Health Department is continuing to release information to urge local residents to remain cautious and vigilant when it comes to community mitigation efforts: get your Covid-19 vaccination, to limit infection risks whenever possible; wear a face covering when in public places; observe social distancing of at least 6 feet; cover coughs and wash hands frequently.
The Henry County Health Department has announced multiple confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Henry County. Public health officials are working actively to identify and investigate all individuals who were in contact with the cases. Federal privacy restrictions prohibit the release of further information regarding the investigations.
The Health Department notes with expected additional cases coming, residents need to assume that they have been exposed to COVID-19. For a reference of the most current status of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the State please visit the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Covid-19 webpage at
“Henry and Stark County Health Departments Announce Daily Positive Covid-19 Cumulative Cases”
The Henry and Stark County Health Department today Thursday, May 6th announce a cumulative total of 4898 “Confirmed Positive” and “Probable” Cases of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Henry County and 632 “Confirmed Positive” and “Probable” Cases in Stark County.
The Health Department notes, “Following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, beginning November 6, 2020 and going forward, IDPH will report confirmed cases and probable cases combined. A confirmed case is laboratory confirmed via molecular test. A probable case meets clinical criteria AND is epidemiologically linked, or has a positive antigen test. If a probable case is later confirmed, the case will be deduplicated and will only be counted once. Probable deaths and confirmed deaths will continue to be reported separately.”
The Health Department notes as we learn more about how the virus is spread throughout our county, state, and nation our reporting mechanisms will change and be tweaked in order to give people a better understanding. By combining the positive by test and probable cases, we now have a greater understanding and more accurate knowledge of the covid-19 virus’ reach and effect in our communities.
Public health officials are working actively to identify and investigate all individuals who were in contact with the cases. Federal privacy restrictions prohibit the release of further information regarding the investigations.
The Health Department notes with expected additional cases coming, residents need to assume that they have been exposed to COVID-19. For a reference of the most current status of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the State please visit the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Covid-19 webpage at
“Health Department & OEM Note Rising Covid Numbers & Local Food Establishments And Patrons To Not Put Community At Risk”
The Henry and Stark County Health Department and the Henry County Office of Emergency Management note that we are continuing to see a disturbing rise in Henry and Stark County Covid-19 positive and probable case totals.
Dorothy David, Director of Environmental Health Services with the Henry and Stark County Health Department states, “We have received many complaints about local food establishments and bars not following or enforcing current Covid-19 mitigation measures. We have seen and heard first hand of local businesses not observing occupancy or masking guidelines. Therefore, we are alerting local residents and businesses to not put themselves, their employees, and their patrons at risk of Covid infection and thus State and Regional rollbacks. The fact is, at this point, continued non compliance and flouting is putting local businesses themselves at risk.
The Health Department and Henry County EOC ask everyone (owners/manager/patrons) to work collaboratively with each other by following the guidelines set forth by Illinois Department of Public Health. All foods establishments and bars should be following the “Phase 4 of Restore Illinois Plan” dated 02/09/2021 (New Safety Guidelines for Patrons) as follows.
CLEAN, DISINFACT, SANITIZE
Continue to enforce frequency of handwashing with your staff.
Continue to follow through with your employee health screening.
Continue using face masks.
OCCUPANCY
Seated areas - minimum 6-ft distance between tables
Standing areas - maximum occupancy of 25% of standing area capacity
10-person party limit
SOCIAL DISTANCING
Implement a reservation or call ahead model especially for busy periods, if practical. Health Department will be asking for reservation lists during inspections/investigations.
Inform patrons without reservations to check for available capacity before coming to your establishment.
The Health Department and Office of Emergency Management reminds local businesses and residents to follow current mitigation measures and seek out Covid-19 vaccination. Let’s all work to bring this pandemic to an end. Let’s all do our part by visiting www.henrystarkhealth.com to register today!
To report places of business or organizations violating current mitigation actions: Call the Pandemic Compliance Hotline for Henry & Stark Counties at (309) 883-5057. Or send an email to COVID@EMA-HC.com .
April 6, 2021
“HEALTH DEPARTMENT & OEM NOTE RISING COVID NUMBERS OFFER REMINDER TO LOCAL FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS AND PATRONS”
The Henry and Stark County Health Department and the Henry County Office of Emergency Management note that we are observing that Covid-19 positive cases are starting to be on the rise again; therefore, we are highly encouraging Henry and Stark County Food Establishments to follow through the “Part of “Phase 4 of Restore Illinois Plan” dated 02/09/2021 (New Safety Guidelines for Patrons).
Dorothy David, Director of Environmental Health Services with the Henry and Stark County Health Department states, “Covid-19 T virus is spread from person-to-person most frequently among “close contacts” via respiratory droplets.
CLOSE CONTACTs include household contacts, intimate contacts, or contacts within 6-ft for 15 minutes or longer unless wearing N95 mask during period of contact. This includes but not limited to conversations whilst eating and drinking as it is not practical to keep the mask on whilst eating or drinking or converse staying 6-ft apart.
In an attempt to minimize the spread of this virus, the Health Department and Henry County EOC ask everyone (owners/manager/patrons) to work collaboratively with each other by following the guidelines set forth by Illinois Department of Public Health.
CLEAN, DISINFACT, SANITIZE
Continue to enforce frequency of handwashing with your staff.
Continue to follow through with your employee health screening.
Continue using face masks.
OCCUPANCY
Seated areas - minimum 6-ft distance between tables
Standing areas - maximum occupancy of 25% of standing area capacity
10-person party limit
SOCIAL DISTANCING
Implement a reservation or call ahead model especially for busy periods, if practical. Health Department will be asking for reservation lists during inspections/investigations.
Inform patrons without reservations to check for available capacity before coming to your establishment.
Henry County Health Department 110 N. Burr Blvd. Kewanee, IL 61443 309-852-0197 Copyright 2007 All rights reserved
