Adams County has 12 new positive COVID-19 test results, all in less than a week.
The spike has public health leaders warning people to not let their guard down, as Illinois is set to move into phase four of the Restore Illinois plan on June 26.
Officials at Blessing Hospital said there's concern over the lack of mask wearing and social distancing.
They said there's only one COVID-19 patient in the hospital right now and they want to keep it that way, which is why they want to remind people to take the guidelines seriously.
"Our testing sites have seen an increase in the number of people coming out to be tested because either they're showing symptoms or they have been in contact with someone," Blessing Health System CEO and President Maureen Kahn said.
She said the problem is obvious.
"People are going into stores with no masks on," Kahn said. "As the states have opened up, people have been moving about the cabin going out and enjoying some time and forgetting about the most important things that we've been educating folks on. They need to be wearing a mask, washing their hands and social distancing."
With the recent influx of cases ahead of plans for Illinois to move into Phase Four, Kahn said wearing a face covering can make all the difference.
"When you're getting into those tight spaces, wearing a mask is a good way to protect yourself, your family and the people you love," she said.
Adams County Health Department officials said they do expect to see more cases as the state reopens, but said that can be controlled if people follow the guidelines.
"As we go through the contact tracing and talk with you all, the main goal now is to reemphasize those simple measures that can be taken to make sure this doesn't get out of hand," Adams County Public Health Administrator Jerrod Welch said.
Kahn said the hospital is ready if the region sees a surge of cases.
"The hospital is prepared," Kahn said. "We have kept our negative pressure rooms. We have plenty of beds available within the hospital. We're trying to keep at least 20 percent availability of all of our resources in the event that we have a need within the healthcare system."
Just 10 days ago, Blessing Hospital eased up on its visitor restrictions. Kahn said while there aren't plans to change those right now, they would revisit the issue if they were to see a surge of cases at the hospital moving forward.
Kahn said because they are limited on COVID-19 tests, they are still testing people who have symptoms or those who have had significant contact.
If you have questions about getting tested, you can call the Blessing Health System COVID-19 hotline at 217-277-3504.
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