UPDATE: At around 8 p.m., the Winnebago County Health Department released the following statement: “At this time, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Winnebago County. All specimens from Winnebago County submitted to the Illinois Department of Public Health have confirmed negative results.”

UPDATE: About an hour after this report The Winnebago County Health Department released the following update: “The Winnebago County Health Department is confirming that a resident was transported this morning via EMS to a local hospital to be evaluated and tested for COVID-19. Test results are pending at the Illinois Department of Public Health lab.

“Healthcare providers in collaboration with the health department have been evaluating and testing individuals based on symptom and exposure risk. When there is a confirmed case, that information will be shared with the community by the Winnebago County Health Department.“

Staff Report

ROCKFORD – Rockford residents are being treated for possible COVID-19, otherwise known as coronavirus.

While the number of people that may be exposed to the potentially deadly virus has not been reported, officials said they are being monitored closely.

“We understand that this is concerning to the community but want to assure that the necessary precautions are being taken by the healthcare professionals and first responders who care for these individuals,” the Winnebago County Health Department said in a release Saturday. “We also ask the community to understand that individuals who are being evaluated and monitored need to have their privacy protected and our compassion and concern. These are difficult times for all.”

As of this report, there have been six cases of coronavirus in Illinois. No cases have been confirmed in the Rockford area. However, officials do expect the disease to spread locally.

Anyone with questions about COVID-19 is urged to call the Illinois Department of Health (IDPH) Hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.