More Peoria County youth are testing positive for COVID-19.
That's according to Peoria City/County Health Department Administrator Monica Hendrickson. People ages 19 or younger now make up more than 10 percent of the county's reported 606 cases.
Only adults in their 20s and 30s are testing positive at higher rates, Hendrickson said.
"This virus does not discriminate. It can affect every age, every gender, every race, every corner of our community," Hendrickson said. "And so, with that, be cognizant of that. And recognize the implications when you're traveling. With children, we're seeing an increase in those cases."
A mother of younger children herself, Hendrickson said she realizes it can be difficult to create the boundaries needed to protect kids as reopening progresses. As kids prepare to return to school next month, Hendrickson said masks and social distancing remain the best way to prevent the virus' spread.
"Knowing what's coming in terms of what school requirements might be, I mean, start practicing with your kids. Especially if you have younger kids, about the importance of wearing face coverings," she said.
Gov. JB Pritzker is requiring teachers and students to wear facial coverings as part of a return to physical classrooms.
Hendrickson said families with kids also might think about getting them tested if they've just returned from a trip to an area now considered a COVID-19 "hot zone."
She also recommends kids get flu vaccinations this fall when they're available.
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