SPRINGFIELD, Ill (KMOX) - Illinois Public Health Department Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike suggests poll workers be tested for coronavirus.
She said people who were in close range to a lot of people while working the polls, those who could not maintain social distancing while waiting to vote and anyone participating in demonstrations or other activities should be tested.
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"Wait approximately one week after the high risk exposure," she said in Wednesday's daily COVID-19 briefing. "Because it takes several days after exposure for a test to be positive if, in fact, you've contracted the virus."
Dr. Ezike adds a positive result could happen up to two weeks after exposure.
Her advisement comes as IDPH reported 7,538 new infections, with an additional 55 deaths. The pandemic has now killed 9,933 Illinoisans.
"We are fully into this second wave, or second surge and the cases are increasing exponentially," she says.
Dr. Ezike also tried to bring something positive to what has become a grim daily task. The director says she has begun rolling down her car window when she's stopped at a traffic light and sees someone wearing a mask. She calls out to them, thanking them for doing their part to curb the spread. She says, even with the masks, the gesture is being met with smiles and encourages others to do the same.
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