Sixth Coronavirus case identified in St. Joseph

Today, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health, an additional positive case of the Coronavirus was confirmed in St. Joseph. It is the second to be announced this week. Six residents out the 420 members of the community that have been tested so far have tested positive results.

Meanwhile in Tolono, four new cases were identified in that community, bring the total to nine since the start of the pandemic in March. Three hundred and thirty-seven tests with residents from within the 61880 zip code have tested negative so far according to the IDPH.

Champaign County has logged 22,071 tests with just 728 of them coming back marked positive. The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District is reporting there are 57 active cases with six individuals currently hospitalized. While 662 cases have been declared recovered, there have been nine deaths attributed to the virus.

COVID-19 has a wide range of symptoms. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus mainly as a cough and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • If you or a family member has any of the following symptoms, the CDC recommends that you seek medical attention immediately. Those symptoms include trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse or have bluish lips or face.

    People who have serious underlying medical conditions and older Americans may be at higher risk for contracting serious complications from COVID-19. The CDC has said those at high risk include:

  • Anyone 65 years of age and older
  • Older adults who live in a nursing home or long-term care facilities
  • Women who are pregnant
  • Individuals with Chronic lung disease or asthma, congestive heart failure or coronary artery disease, diabetes or neurologic conditions that weaken the ability to cough.
  • People with weakened immune systems, those who have undergone chemotherapy radiation for cancer currently or in recent past, people who have Sickle Cell Anemia, anyone with chronic kidney diseases requiring dialysis and those diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver.
  • Also included are individuals who without a spleen or a spleen that doesn’t function correctly or people who are extremely obese with a body mass index (BMI) great than or equal to 40.
  • Free testing is available at Marketplace Mall at the State’s drive-thru COVID-19 testing site. A doctor’s referral, code, or appointment is not needed. Testing is available for anyone from 8am to 4pm, 7 days a week while daily supplies last. For more information call the COVID-19 HOTLINE at (217) 239-7877.




    Food & Dining |
    Recipe-of-the-week: 3 Layer Arkansas Possum Pie

    The star of your next spread can be hidden away in the refrigerator for a surprise delight for your guests. It's topped with chocolate syrup and chopped pecans, and your loved ones just may vote it to be their favorite dish.

    It's an Arkansas Possum Pie, made with three delicious layers and crunchy toppings for a show-stopping dessert.




    Recent study suggests childhood trauma could haunt Illinois adults for life
    New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed 75% of U.S. high school students said they have had at least one adverse childhood experience, or ACE.

    Research has shown ACEs can alter a child's brain chemistry and produce a prolonged toxic stress response. Experiencing at least one ACE as a child is linked to having alcohol and substance use problems in adulthood, and chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.


    Op-Ed |
    Tipped wage system isn't working, removing taxes won't save it
    Both major presidential candidates have called for eliminating taxes on tips. But that won’t help most restaurant workers.

    What will? Replacing the subminimum wages that tipped workers make with one fair wage nationwide.

    The federal minimum wage for most workers is just $7.25. But for workers who get tips, employers are allowed to pay them $2.13 an hour. If tips don’t raise your hourly pay to at least the ...
    Health & Wellness |
    Is it depression, ADHD or bipolar disorder?
    Lavender Zarraga, APRN, a behavioral health provider at OSF HealthCare, says it’s not uncommon for her patients to ask for a medication that isn’t the right fit.

    The culprit? She says symptoms of common mental health issues like depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder can overlap. So, it’s important to stay in contact with your provider to make ...

    In case you missed it |
    America is ready for cheer, brightness and hope
    When I was a child, I thought Christmas would never come. The weeks dragged by while I wore out the toy sections of the Sears and Penny's catalogs hoping Santa might stop by. I always looked for Santa Claus and tried to stay awake on Christmas Eve just to catch a glimpse of the jolly big guy.