•May 6, 2020•
The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) announces their sixth and seventh confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19). The patients are a male and a female in their 70s who are hospitalized. Public health officials are contacting and verifying all close contacts. To date, 116 Moultrie County residents have been tested for COVID-19. Of those tests, 107 tests were negative for coronavirus, and two are still pending.
As the spread of this virus continues, the MCHD cautions all individuals to consider themselves at risk for exposure. “As stay at home restrictions begin to relax within our communities and state-to-state, it is important to remember that hand washing, keeping a physical distance of six feet from others, avoiding large crowds, wearing a mask in public and isolating yourself from others while you are ill are still the best ways to protect yourself, your family and to help stop the spread of this virus,” said Angela Hogan, Administrator for the Moultrie County Health Department. Symptoms associated with COVID-19 include fever, fatigue, a dry cough, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and loss of smell or taste. Individuals should immediately seek medical attention if experiencing difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, confusion, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, or a bluish color in the lips or face. If an individual is ill with symptoms associated with coronavirus and needs medical or emergency care, they should notify their physician or emergency medical service providers of their symptoms prior to arrival. For more information on the Moultrie County Health Department’s news, events and services, please visit www.moultriehealth.org and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/moultriecountyhealth.
Contact: Glenda Plunkett
Public Health Services Coordinator
Glenda@moultriehealth.org
Category Archives: Top Stories
Moultrie County Manufacturers Take Steps for Safer Work Places During Health Crisis
•April 29, 2020•
By Mike Brothers
Mid State Tank of Sullivan is one of three manufacturers in Moultrie County essential to the agriculture industry.
The pressure to keep production going and employees safe has been a challenge for the makers of stainless steel and aluminum tanks.
That challenge was met with early prevention measures, paying close attention to the customer’s needs which has resulted in Mid State continuing to operate on a regular schedule.
General manager Kevin Conlin explained there is no standard for how to deal with Covid-19 virus threat, but measures taken in the beginning have helped keep Mid State’s employees healthy and working.
In the process of preparing the company’s three month forecast Mid State was evaluating customer needs as well as supplier schedules when the stay at home order was issued. Read More
Moultrie County Health Department Announces Fifth Confirmed COVID-19 Case
•April 29, 20220•
SULLIVAN, IL, April 28, 2020 – The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) announces a fifth confirmed case of Coronavirus-2019. The patient is a female in her 30s who is currently quarantined at home. Public health officials are contacting and verifying all close contacts. To date, 85 Moultrie County residents have been tested for COVID-19. Of those tests, 75 tests were negative for coronavirus, and five are still pending.
Because this virus is becoming more widespread, the MCHD cautions all individuals to consider themselves at risk for exposure. The health department reminds everyone to stay at home as much as possible; cover coughs and sneezes; and continue to frequently wash their hands with warm water and soap. People who are ill, even those with mild symptoms, should take extra precautions to isolate themselves from others, stay in contact with their doctor and not leave home. In alignment with recent CDC recommendations, the health department is encouraging families who must make trips into the public to send only one person with a face mask. If at all possible, avoid taking children into the public. “It is extremely important for people to continue to abstain from gathering with anyone outside of your own household,” Angela Hogan, Moultrie County Health Department Administrator said. “Large gatherings increase the opportunity for the coronavirus to be transmitted to others. If travel outside of the home is unavoidable, wear a mask which covers your mouth and nose to reduce the likelihood of transmitting the virus.” Symptoms associated with COVID-19 include fever, fatigue, a dry cough, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat or loss of smell or taste. Individuals should immediately seek medical attention if experiencing difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, confusion, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, or a bluish color in the lips or face. If an individual is ill with symptoms associated with coronavirus and needs medical or emergency care, they should notify their physician or emergency medical service providers of their symptoms prior to arrival. For more information on the Moultrie County Health Department’s news, events and services, please visit www.moultriehealth.org and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/moultriecountyhealth.
Contact: Glenda Plunkett
Public Health Services Coordinator
Glenda@moultriehealth.org
217.728.4114
City is Assisting Businesses Seeking Help
•April 22, 2020•
By Mike Brothers
As the Covid-19 closings affect more and more businesses the city of Sullivan is looking into ways to help.
Since the announcement of potential small business grants, Sullivan Economic Development Chamber director Laurrie Minor has worked with six local businesses.
“Although several of our local businesses have had to close, many do not have enough full-time employees to qualify,” Minor explained.
Of the six potential businesses, three will be able to move forward in the Downstate Small Business Stabilization program funded by federal Community Development Block Grant funds.
On Monday, April 27 a public hearing will be held before the city council at the Elizabeth Titus Library for The Little Theatre on the Square and Sullivan Dance Studio LLC. Both are seeking $25,000 for working capital to address the urgent needs due to COVID-19 emergency. Read More
Citizens View and Commissioners Attend Sullivan City Council Remotely
•April 15, 2020•
By Mike Brothers
Sullivan City Council met Monday with Mayor Richard Glazebrook, city administrator Dan Flannell and city clerk Carrie Creek attending at Elizabeth Titus Library.
Commissioners Abbey Sherwood, Mike Fowler, Peggy Hargis and Chuck Woodworth attended remotely from separate locations.
Mayor Glazebrook explained the council was complying with the Governor’s Emergency Order limiting group meetings.
The proceedings were live streamed on www.facebook.com/News Progress and available online at www.newsprogress.com
Dan Bathe, a 24 year 11 month city employee was in attendance. Bathe first worked for the city street department then at the Sullivan Gas Dept. from where he recently retired. Read More
Ministerial Association Responds to Those in Financial Need
•April 8, 2020•
By Mike Brothers
The longer people need to stay at home the greater their needs, and the Sullivan Area Ministerial Association (SAMA) is offering help.
Responding to the needs created by COVID-19 area ministers are banning together to raise $20,000 to help people in the community in need of financial assistance.
“During this time, there are many people who are in need of immediate help because of COVID-19,” First Christian Church minister Grant Wade began.
“Some have been impacted by unemployment, by the closing of schools and a need for child care to keep their job, or just a need to help keep food on the table,” he continued. Read More
Moultrie County Health Department Reports Patient’s Positive Test for COVID-19
•April 2, 2020•
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Moultrie County Department of Public Health are announcing that one Moultrie County resident has tested positive for COVID-19. The patient is in her 30s. The patient is at home in isolation and CDC protocols have been implemented.
Public health officials are working to identify and actively monitor individuals who were in contact with the patient in an effort to reduce the risk of additional transmission.
Symptoms reported among patients testing positive for COVID-19 include mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, flu-like symptoms and difficulty breathing.
The health department reports that 19 Moultrie County residents have been tested for COVID-19. To date, 13 tests are negative for coronavirus, and five are still pending.
The Moultrie County Health Department encourages everyone to consider themselves at risk for exposure to the novel coronavirus.
Everyone should stay at home as much as possible; remain vigilant about keeping germs from spreading by covering coughs and sneezes and washing hands with warm soap and water; and isolating themselves from others when they are ill.
For more information, contact:
Illinois Department of Public Health:
Call the COVID-19 Hotline at 1-800-889-3931, Email DPH.SICK@ILLINOIS.GOV, or Visit
http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus
To learn more about Moultrie County Health Department’s events and services, please visit www.moultriehealth.org and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/moultriecountyhealth .
Sullivan’s “Project Masks” Volunteers Respond in a Big Way
Photo by Mike Brothers
Sharon White of Sullivan was one of 22 volunteers in “Project Masks”.
•April 1, 2020•
Thanks to 22 Sullivan sewing volunteers 200 protective masks were delivered to Decatur Memorial Hospital on March 27.
While others were fretting about what might happen next with the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic Margi Gaither made something good happen.
“I called DMH to ask if they needed some hand made masks,” Gaither said. “Without hesitation she said yes.”
That was the beginning of “Project Masks” in Moultrie County.
Gaither noted the lady at DMH explained they were awaiting pattern approval from the hospital and she would email it.
“After receiving the pattern, I posted it on FaceBook, and in our church newsletter,” Gaither continued noting she also called some seamstress friends. Read More
Courthouse Under Limited Access With Virus Threat
•March 25, 2020•
By Mike Brothers
Stopping short of an emergency declaration the Moultrie County Board voted to limit access to the courthouse and its offices until further notice.
In special meeting held March 20 department heads were encouraged to conduct essential county business by appointment to limit courthouse traffic in an effort to inhibit spread of the coronavirus.
Judge Jeremy Richey noted public access is needed to the courts offices for emergency orders of protection and bail hearings in serious cases. Read More
County Board Deals with Rapidly Changing COVID 19 Situation
•March 18, 2020•
By David McCabe,
Moultrie County Board Chairman
As chairman of the Moultrie County Board, I am statutorily responsible for the management of disasters that occur in Moultrie County, working with the ESDA Coordinator, first responders and other officials.
Together we determine the best course of action to take. We have a meeting scheduled this week with officials from each municipality in the county to learn how best to help them.
The coronavirus has the potential of being the largest disaster in Moultrie County while I have been board chairman. However, now is not the time to panic, it is the time to be smart. If you are experiencing symptoms of coronavirus or any other health issues, STAY HOME, call your healthcare professional to seek arrangements for treatment and possible testing. If you feel healthy but are one of the vulnerable groups of individuals to coronavirus, STAY HOME. If you have concerns about contacting someone with Coronavirus, STAY HOME. If you are experiencing severe health issues, call 9-1-1. Read More