SOUTHERN ILLINOIS – State health officials Thursday reported 4,942 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Illinois, including 44 additional deaths.

Since the pandemic began, a total of 360,159 cases, including 9,387 deaths, have been reported statewide. With new cases reported Thursday, Williamson County’s total passed 1,800.

Local case breakdown:

• Williamson County: 32
• Randolph County: 26
• Saline County: 17
• Franklin County: 16
• Jefferson County: nine
• White County: eight
• Alexander and Hamilton counties: four each
• Hardin, Johnson and Pulaski counties: three each
• Gallatin, Massac, Perry and Union counties: two each

The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity rate regarding total tests from Oct. 15-21 is 5.7 percent.