The Iroquois County Public Health Department has confirmed the second positive case of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in an Iroquois County resident on March 27, 2020. This individual was tested March 24th by a medical provider. Laboratory confirmed results were received today. The individual is a man in his 40’s located in Iroquois County. The individual is at home, doing well, and cooperating with public health officials. He will remain in isolation per Illinois Department of Public Health guidance. At the time of this press release Iroquois County has two individuals with laboratory confirmed cases: ? Case 1: Male in his 50’s- Isolated at home ? Case 2: Male in his 40’s- Isolated at home At this time we are not providing any additional details on these individuals. Our Communicable Disease nurses are working tirelessly to complete investigations, conduct contact tracing and notify anyone determined to be at increased risk of exposure. The situation is fluid. Guidance and recommendations regarding patients under investigation may evolve as more is learned. It is important to remember that even though there have been confirmed cases, this is not cause for panic. Please continue to practice social distancing and other safety measures to limit COVID-19 exposure. Most importantly stay home if you are sick! If you have a respiratory illness, stay home for 7 days after your symptoms started and for 3 days after your fever has stopped without the use of fever reducing medications, and your cough or sore throat symptoms have improved (whichever is longer). Avoid the emergency department and other places you seek healthcare if you are not severely ill, unless your doctor advises otherwise. Stay home and keep healthcare access available for others with more severe illness. This is a rapidly evolving situation and the Iroquois County Public Health Department will provide updated information and guidance as it becomes available on our Iroquois County Public Health Department Facebook page and website at http://www.co.iroquois.il.us/covid-19-corona-virus/ For general questions about COVID-19 (Coronavirus) call the Illinois Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Hotline at 1(800) 889-3931 or, send an email to: DPH.SICK@ILLINOIS.GOV anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  

First Positive Case of COVID-19 in Iroquois County Confirmed
The Iroquois County Public Health Department has confirmed the first positive case of novel coronavirus
disease (COVID-19) in an Iroquois County resident on March 26, 2020.
This individual was tested March 23rd by a medical provider. Laboratory confirmed results were received today.
The individual is a man in his 50’s located in Iroquois County. The individual is at home, doing well, and
cooperating with public health officials. He will remain in isolation per Illinois Department of Public Health
guidance. At this time we are not providing any additional details on the individual. Public health officials are
evaluating exposures and will notify those we determine to be at increased risk of exposure. The situation is
fluid. Guidance and recommendations regarding patients under investigation may evolve as more is learned.
It is important to remember that even though there has been a confirmed case, this is not cause for panic.
The Iroquois County Public Health Department is working closely with Illinois Department of Public Health
and numerous local organizations, including Iroquois County EMA, Iroquois Memorial Hospital, emergency
responders (EMS, law enforcement, fire departments, 911 dispatch), and several long-term care facilities. Each
morning these organizations are brought together virtually through the Iroquois County Emergency Operation
Center (EOC) to conduct briefings, communicate needs, and coordinate efforts. This cooperation ensures
Iroquois County’s joint preparedness for and response to COVID-19.
We strongly recommend to continue social distancing and other safety measures which include:
? Stay home as much as possible with adherence to the Governor’s Shelter at Home requirement.
? If gatherings are necessary, limit the number of people to 10 or less.
? Call to check on family, neighbors, and older adults instead of visiting.
? Check with your provider about telehealth options if you feel ill.
? Remember to continue using proper hand hygiene.
? Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of the tissue immediately.
If no tissue is available, sneeze or cough into your elbow.
? Do not shake hands. Instead, use another non-contact method to address others.
? Clean frequently touched surfaces often.

Date: March 26, 2020
FOR RELEASE THE WEEK OF:
 Immediate Release
Contact: Dee Ann Schippert, Public Health Administrator
Eric Ceci, EMA Coordinator, PHEP Director
Taylor Eades, Public Information Officer
 (815) 432-2483

PRESS RELEASE 
First Positive Case of COVID-19 in Iroquois County- March 26, 2020
Page 2 of 2
Most importantly stay home if you are sick! If you have a respiratory illness, stay home for 7 days after your
symptoms started and for 3 days after your fever has stopped without the use of fever reducing medications, and
your cough or sore throat symptoms have improved (whichever is longer). Avoid the emergency department
and other places you seek healthcare if you are not severely ill, unless your doctor advises otherwise. Stay home
and keep healthcare access available for others with more severe illness.
We recommend consulting with your doctor if you have the following:
? Fever, cough, shortness of breath or other cold or flu-like symptoms and do not feel better after three to
four days. Use telephone, text, telemedicine or a patient portal to reach out rather than going to your
doctor in person if possible.
? You are an older adult or have chronic health conditions of concern (heart disease, diabetes, lung
disease) and are exhibiting mild symptoms.
Your provider will decide if you need medical care. You usually do not need to be tested unless you are
admitted to the hospital.
ICPHD would like to thank our local partners for their diligent efforts to prevent the spread of coronavirus
within our community. We appreciate the cooperation and sacrifice of local businesses and community
members at large in practicing social distancing. With no vaccine available, this is our best response to slow the
spread of COVID-19.
This is a rapidly evolving situation and the Iroquois County Public Health Department will provide updated
information and guidance as it becomes available on our Iroquois County Public Health Department Facebook
page and website at http://www.co.iroquois.il.us/covid-19-corona-virus/ .
For general questions about COVID-19 (Coronavirus) call the Illinois Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
Hotline at 1(800) 889-3931 or, send an email to: DPH.SICK@ILLINOIS.GOV anytime, 24 hours a day,
seven days a week.
For information on actions you, your school, workplace, and community can take, please visit Preventing
COVID-19 Spread in Communities at:
http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus/preventing-spreadcommunities
For daily updates on COVID-19 in Illinois follow the IDPH Daily Updates page at:
http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus/mediapublications/daily-press-briefings
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Bourbonnais, IL –Illinois State Police (ISP) officials arrested Tyler Vandermolen, (M/35) a Canadian National, for one count of Possession of Child Pornography (Class 3 Felony) and one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance (Class 1 Felony).

ISP Investigators initiated an investigation after receiving information Vandermolen was allegedly engaged in possession of child pornography. A thorough investigation ensued, and a search warrant was executed on March 10, 2020, at Vandermolen’s temporary residence. During the warrant execution, Investigators seized 36 grams of cocaine and evidence supporting an arrest for child pornography. Vandermolen was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of Child Pornography (Class 3 Felony) and one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance (Class 1 Felony). Vandermolen is currently being held at the Kankakee County jail, awaiting a bond hearing.

Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Gary G. Murphy, 59, Chicago, March 1. According to police reports, Murphy was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. He would be transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he would post the required bond.

Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police investigated a two-vehicle accident in rural Clifton Feb. 28. According to police reports, a vehicle driven by Miya M. Siflies, 18, was traveling north on Old Route 45 when the vehicle in front of her began slowing down to turn off the roadway. Silfies failed to slow down striking the vehicle in front of her driven by Lisa D. Lemenager. More than $1,500 was sustained, no citations or injuries were reported.

Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police investigated a two-vehicle accident in Onarga March 1. According to police reports, a vehicle pulling a trailer, driven by Christopher M. Morr, 19, Mackinaw, was exiting the Casey’s parking lot in Onarga when he struck a parked car with his trailer. More than $1,500 in damage was sustained. No citations or injuries were reported.

WHAT:                      Airplane Crash

WHERE:                   I-55 Southbound at Milepost 126, Logan County

WHEN:                      Mar. 03, 2020 at 8:49 a.m.

VEHICLE:                Unit 1- Airplane

PASSENGER(S):      Multiple Occupants – Condition Unknown at the time

            PRELIMINARY:      At approximately 08:49, a small airplane crashed on I-55 at M/P 126 in Lincoln IL. The plane became fully engulfed upon impact in the middle of the interstate. Multiple Agencies on the scene to assist. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been notified and is responding. I-55 S/B traffic is being diverted at M/P 126 into Lincoln, IL by IDOT. I-55 S/B road closure is expected for an extended period of time (4-5 hours). 

            CHARGES:               N/A