ELDORADO — The Egyptian Health Department is urging area residents to follow CDC protocols and help to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus in southeast Illinois.

Egyptian Health Department Director Angie Hampton said at a press conference Wednesday that Saline, Gallatin, and White counties will all be placed at warning level again for virus spread because of the increase in COVID-19 risk indicators in the area.

State Senator Dale Fowler was in attendance at the press conference Wednesday. He understands everyone has their struggles related to this virus, including himself.

Saline County reported a second death of a county resident because of COVID-19 Wednesday and Gallatin County also had its first resident die of the novel coronavirus this week.

Local leaders are calling for everyone to wear a mask, wash their hands frequently, and keep distance between yourself and others to help stop the spread of the virus.