Rock Island County announced three additional deaths and 127 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday.
The deaths reported Wednesday were a man in his 90′s, a woman in her 90′s and a woman in her 80′s. All three were living in long-term care facilities. The number of deaths in the county is now at 140. ”We send our heartfelt condolences to their loved ones,” said Janet Hill, chief operating officer, Rock Island County Health Department.
Health leaders in Rock Island County are reminding the community as we approach Thanksgiving and the holiday, that they are worried they will see a “huge surge” in cases. “As we as a nation celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday, we worry that in the coming days, we will see a huge surge of cases that quickly will overwhelm our hospital staff that already are treating record numbers of COVID-19 patients,” Hill said. “An extended-family Thanksgiving could turn into a superspreader event. Please be as safe as possible by celebrating Thanksgiving with your immediate household only and connecting virtually with other family and friends.”
Hill added if you plan to attend a gathering, to only eat with those in your own household. “At other times, please wear a mask, keep 6 feet between you and others outside of your household, and wash your hands frequently,” she said.
In addition, the health department reports 127 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number to 8,035. Currently, 74 patients are hospitalized in Rock Island County.