The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 1,832 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 Thursday across the state with 27 confirmed deaths. Richland County reported it’s first death this week from the disease-a male in his 80s. The Lawrence County Health Department was notified of 10 county residents who tested positive on Wednesday and Thursday. The cases were unrelated and all are now in home quarantine with contact tracing underway. The new cases bring the total for Lawrence County now to 78 with 26 of those active and 52 recovered. There has been 1 hospitalization and no deaths. COVID-19 cases are also on the rise across the area. Lawrence County and area residents are reminded to take steps to reduce the contraction and spreading of the coronavirus by wearing a mask or face covering, social distancing over 6 feet, frequent handwashing and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces.