An Adams County man, in his 20s, recovering from COVID-19 at Blessing Hospital has been linked to two large gatherings, Adams County Public Health Administrator Jerrod Welch said Saturday.

"During the course of a recent contact investigation, the department became aware of a large social gathering, characterized as a party, of an estimated 50-100 individuals that occurred on March 21st in rural Adams County outside of Lima, Illinois," the health department said in a written statement.

Health workers said they were letting people who attended the party know that they may have been exposed to COVID-19.

The health department said people exposed at the party may have already developed symptoms and even seen symptoms resolve, but those who have experienced respiratory symptoms should notify their close social and household contacts about their potential exposure.

Welch said the patient was also linked to a party of an estimated 25 individuals that occurred on March 27 in Quincy.

The health department is also contacting people who attended the second, more recent party, evaluating them for symptoms of disease and providing appropriate quarantine instructions.

Health officials called the parties irresponsible and said they have presented an unnecessary risk.

"Further, at this time, under the Governor’s executive order, these activities are illegal. It is important during this challenging time for each member of our community to take seriously each of these recommendations and act in a socially responsible manner," the health department stated.

Officials provided no additional information about the parties.

The person connected with the parties was confirmed by health officials on Friday as Adams County's third patient to test positive for COVID-19.

Officials said on Friday that the individual is a male in his 20s and was recovering in Blessing Hospital. Welch confirmed on Saturday that this patient was linked to both of the large parties.

The initial investigation indicates that this case is community-acquired, Welch said.

The first case in Adams County was reported on March 19. That resident is a male in his 30-40s who received the virus after traveling.

The second case was a male healthcare worker in his 30s or 40s and was reported on March 28.