(WSIL) -- Prosecutors in Alexander, Johnson, and Union Counties have filed for temporary restraining orders against the Southern Seven Health Department.
Those prosecutors are asking for injunctions that would force health officials to disclose who has tested positive for COVID-19 and where they live.
"Those names will remain private. Name and address will be entered into our CAD system. The information will only be given out if first responders have a call to one of those addresses," said Pete Sopczak.
A there to turn over names of COVID patients earlier this week.
Sopczak tells News 3 WSIL he testified in a court hearing Friday morning on the issue.
"I don't blame the local health department, they are just following what Springfield told them to do," Sopczak said.
was the first southern Illinois prosecutor to file for an injunction.
He tells News 3 WSIL the names and addresses would only be available to sheriffs and 9-1-1 operators. Those names would not be searchable by anyone.
Klingemann says having the information about COVID-19 patients would keep first responders safe.
He says it is not feasible for smaller counties to send deputies and other first responders out in full personal protective equipment (PPE) on all calls.
Klingemann says prosecutors, state police, and other agencies are in daily calls about issues surrounding COVID-19.
Online court records show Union County will have a on April 21.
Johnson County's hearing is set for . Alexander County records have not been posted online.
"It is a lot of wasted time and resources for every county to sue for it," said Sheriff Sopczak.
Southern Seven Health Department would not comment on the court matters.
