The Kankakee County Health Department is working with the Illinois Department of Public Health to reduce any further threat of spreading the Coronavirus.  The first positive case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Kankakee County Thursday.

County Board Chairman Andy Wheeler declared a disaster "emergency" in an effort to bring in more resources.  Other county governments, including Will County and Benton County, IN, have declared emergency proclamations to put emergency respone teams into action.

Kankakee County Health Director John Beavis said "there's no reason to panic."  He said the local health department is working with area hospitals and the state to prevent further spread of the disease.  Officla recommend to continue social distancing and other safety measure like staying home as much as possible and washing hands frequently.  Most importantly, officials say, is to stay home if you're sick.

94.1 WGFA