13 New Deaths, 334 COVID-19 Cases Reported In Arlington Heights

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Like every other municipality in Illinois, Arlington Heights has been dealing with its own unique data points regarding the coronavirus. According to the Cook County Medical Examiner, 82 people have died due to COVID-19 in Arlington Heights since April 8. That marks 13 new deaths since our last report on Dec. 4. For further comparison, there were six additional deaths between Nov. 27-Dec. 4. The most deaths in a single day since the start of the outbreak was six on May 23.

As of Friday, there have been 3,705 confirmed coronavirus-related cases in Arlington Heights, according to the Cook County Department of Public Health. That marks an increase of 334 cases since Dec. 4. For further comparison, there was an increase of 395 cases between Nov. 27-Dec. 4. These numbers indicate an -13.0 percent change in confirmed cases over the last 14 days.

(Cook County Department of Public Health)
(Cook County Department of Public Health)

In addition, 113,134 people have been tested across zip codes 60004, 60005, 60006, 6008 and 60056 (Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows and Mount Prospect) according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. That marks an increase of 5,932 tests since Dec. 4. For further comparison, there was an increase of 5,496 tests between Nov. 27-Dec. 4.

Here is a breakdown of COVID-19 related deaths by date in Arlington Heights:

APRIL — 4 TOTAL

  • 4/8 (1), 4/19 (1), 4/23 (1), 4/29 (1)

MAY — 22 TOTAL

  • 5/4 (1), 5/7 (1), 5/8 (1), 5/9 (1), 5/12 (1), 5/13 (3), 5/14 (2), 5/20 (1), 5/22 (1), 5/23 (6), 5/24 (1), 5/26 (1) 5/27 (1), 5/28 (1)

JUNE — 7 TOTAL

  • 6/4 (1), 6/6 (2), 6/7 (1), 6/9 (2), 6/25 (1)

JULY — 2 TOTAL

  • 7/4 (1), 7/10 (2)

AUGUST — NONE

SEPTEMBER —3 TOTAL

  • 9/12 (1), 9/18 (1), 9/22 (1)

OCTOBER — 8 TOTAL

  • 10/5 (1), 10/21 (2), 10/25 (1), 10/26 (2), 10/29 (2)

NOVEMBER — 22 TOTAL

  • 11/6 (2), 11/7 (1), 11/8 (3), 11/9 (1), 11/13 (1), 11/15 (2), 11/18 (2), 11/20 (2), 11/21 (1), 11/23 (1), 11/25 (1), 11/26 (1), 11/27 (2), 11/28 (1), 11/30 (1)

DECEMBER — 14 TOTAL

  • 12/3 (1), 12/4 (2), 12/5 (2), 12/6 (2), 12/7 (1), 12/8 (4), 12/9 (1), 12/10 (1)

According to the medical examiner, the age breakdown for the 82 deaths is: 80+ (55), 70-79 (17) 60-69 (6), 50-59 (3) and 40-49 (1).

As of Friday, the Cook County Department of Health is reporting 149,606 confirmed cases and 2,819 deaths since the pandemic began. That marks an increase of 11,368 cases and 172 deaths since Patch's last update on Dec. 4. For further comparison, there was an increase of 14,610 cases and 204 deaths between Nov. 27-Dec. 4.

The Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting 17,859 confirmed cases in Cook County long-term facilities and 2,628 deaths. That marks an increase of 1,246 cases and 81 deaths since Dec. 4. For comparison, there was an increase of 418 cases and 36 deaths between Nov. 27-Dec. 4. In the past, the IDPH has twice temporarily removed some cases and deaths since Patch has been tracking these numbers, before including them back in at a later date.

Here is a breakdown of cases and deaths at some of these facilities in Arlington Heights:

  • Manor Care at Arlington Heights — 27 cases, 2 deaths

  • The Mooring of Arlington Heights —3 cases, 0 deaths

  • The Reserve at Arlington Heights — 13 cases, 1 death

  • Waverly Inn Memory Care Community — 18 cases, 8 deaths

These numbers include both residents and employees of the long-term care facilities.

State health officials reported 11,101 new coronavirus infections and 196 more deaths on Thursday, putting an end to a five-day run with fewer than 10,000 new cases reported.

Though the daily death toll remains near record highs, there is light at the end of the tunnel. With a vaccine possibly days away, Chicago doctors say mass vaccination is our "ticket out" of the pandemic. Without it, the U.S. could see hundreds of thousands more dead and years of social distancing. With the vaccine, life could be back to normal by June — but only if enough people get vaccinated.

State public health director Dr. Ngozi Ezike on Wednesday implored Illinoisans to delay holiday gatherings until the vaccine is widely available.

"Let's think about this: If we've made it this far in the pandemic, with the finish line starting to come into sight, you deserve for you and your family and your friends to make it all the way to the other side," she said. "We've come too far to turn back now."

Altogether, the state has now seen 823,531 infections and 13,861 deaths. The latest deaths include:

  • Adams County: 1 male 70s, 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s

  • Alexander County: 1 male 80s

  • Boone County: 1 female 40s, 1 female 80s

  • Bureau County: 1 female 80s

  • Champaign County: 1 male 90s

  • Clay County: 1 female 80s

  • Coles County: 1 female 90s

  • Cook County: 1 male 30s, 2 females 40s, 1 male 40s, 1 female 50s, 6 males 50s, 2 females 60s, 5 males 60s, 8 females 70s, 13 males 70s, 5 females 80s, 8 males 80s, 2 females 90s, 4 males 90s; 1 female 100+

  • DeKalb County: 1 male 70s, 1 male 90s

  • Douglas County: 1 male 90s

  • DuPage County: 1 male 60s, 3 males 70s, 2 females 80s, 2 females 90s

  • Edgar County: 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s

  • Fulton County: 1 male 50s, 1 male 70s

  • Grundy County: 1 male 60s

  • Hamilton County: 1 female 70s

  • Hardin County: 1 male 70s

  • Henry County: 1 female 80s, 2 females 90s

  • Jackson County: 1 female 90s, 1 male 90s

  • Jo Daviess County: 1 male 30s, 1 female 60s

  • Johnson County: 1 female 60s

  • Kane County: 1 male 50s, 1 female 60s, 1 male 70s, 4 males 80s, 1 male 90s

  • Kankakee County: 1 female 60s, 2 females 80s, 1 male 80s

  • Kendall County: 2 males 70s, 2 males 90s

  • Knox County: 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s

  • Lake County: 1 female 50s, 1 male 60s, 1 female 80s, 1 female 90s, 1 female 100+, 1 male 100+

  • LaSalle County: 1 male 60s, 1 male 70s

  • Lawrence County: 1 male 60s, 1 female 90s

  • Lee County: 1 female 100+

  • Livingston County: 1 female 70s, 1 male 80s

  • Logan County: 1 female 80s, 1 male 90s

  • Macon County: 1 female 70s, 1 female 80s, 1 male 90s

  • Macoupin County: 1 male 60s, 1 male 80s, 1 male 90s

  • Madison County: 1 male 60s, 1 male 70s, 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s

  • Marion County: 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s, 2 females 90s, 2 males 90s

  • McLean County: 1 male 70s

  • Mercer County: 1 female 60s, 1 female 90s

  • Monroe County: 1 male 70s, 1 female 80s, 2 males 80s

  • Morgan County: 1 female 90s

  • Ogle County: 1 female 70s

  • Peoria County: 1 female 70s

  • Perry County: 1 female 80s

  • Pike County: 1 male 80s

  • Rock Island County: 1 female 70s, 1 male 70s, 1 female 80s

  • Sangamon County: 1 female 60s, 1 male 60s, 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s

  • St. Clair County: 1 male 50s, 1 female 70s, 3 males 70s, 1 male 80s

  • Tazewell County: 1 female 60s, 1 male 70s, 1 male 100+

  • Vermilion County: 1 male 70s

  • Wayne County: 1 female 70s

  • White County: 1 male 60s

  • Whiteside County: 1 male 80s

  • Will County: 2 males 50s, 1 male 60s, 1 female 70s, 2 males 70s, 2 females 80s, 2 males 80s, 1 female 90s, 1 male 90s

  • Williamson County: 1 female 70s, 1 female 80s

  • Winnebago County: 2 males 60s, 1 female 70s, 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s

Thirty-two of this week's deaths have been tied to the La Salle Veterans Home, Pritzker said Monday, calling it a "worst-case scenario." According to the most recent data, 39 out of 96 residents at the state-run home, along with 21 staff members, have also tested positive for the virus. State officials said the home's director, Angela Mehlbrech, has been fired, and officials are investigating the cause of the outbreak.

Hospitalizations fell slightly from the previous day, as did ICU occupancy and ventilator use. As of Wednesday night, 5,138 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 across Illinois, including 1,081 in intensive care and 606 on ventilators.

The statewide case positivity rate — a rolling, seven-day average — fell 0.1 percentage points to 9.5 percent.

(The positivity rate is the number the state has reported since the start of the pandemic and is calculated by dividing total cases detected by total tests performed. Another way to calculate the positivity rate is to divide the number of positive tests by total tests performed. By that calculation, the test positivity rate is 11.4 percent.)

According to Johns Hopkins University, a positivity rate of less than 5 percent is a good measure of whether enough tests are being conducted, and state officials have said a rate higher than 8 percent will trigger new restrictions in a given region.

See how your region is doing here.

The United States now has more than 15.5 million confirmed coronavirus infections, and at least 291,370 Americans have died from COVID -19, according to Johns Hopkins University. Based on the latest predictions by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 332,000 to 362,000 Americans could be dead from the disease by Jan. 2.

Globally, more than 69.3 million people have been infected and more than 1.5 million are known to have died.

Patch Editor J. Ryne Danielson contributed to this report.


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Here's what's happening with the coronavirus in Illinois:

Delay Holiday Parties, Travel With 'Finish Line In Sight': Ezike

"There is still time to change your holiday plans," IDPH director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said, reminding residents a coronavirus vaccine is coming.

Chicago Bears Cancel Practice After 4th Positive Coronavirus Test

“Obviously we’re not exempt from this pandemic,” Bears coach Matt Nagy told the Chicago Sun-Times.

Mass Vaccination Is Our 'Ticket Out': Top Advocate Doctor

Top doctors with Advocate Aurora Health say vaccines up for approval are safe and effective. They plan to start inoculating staff next week

Elmhurst Cops Told They Can Do Nothing About Violators Of Order

Patch obtains the memos given to police department supervisors about pandemic enforcement.

Unions Ask For Education Workers To Be Prioritized For Vaccine

Without a vaccine, staff and students will "continue to spread the virus," said Association of Plainfield Teachers President Dawn Bullock.

Burr Ridge Mayor Chastises Campaign Donor Over Masks

Reported mask violations prompt mayor to send letter to restaurant.

Mask Mandate Request Divides Board In Orland

When a trustee suggested a mask mandate within the village to slow the spread of the coronavirus, some officials didn't agree with it.

Former Elgin Deputy Fire Chief Dies After Catching Coronavirus

Bill Freiberg, who retired in 2003 as deputy chief of the Elgin Fire Department, died Tuesday after contracting COVID-19 last month.

COVID-19 Vaccine Registration Available For Lake County Residents

The Lake County Health Department created an online portal for residents to register to be notified when a coronavirus vaccine is available.

32 Dead In LaSalle Veterans Home Coronavirus Outbreak

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said that the "worst-case scenario" he has been trying to avoid is "now our reality in LaSalle."

Coronavirus Pandemic Claims Youngest Victim In Kane County

A woman in her 20s was among the new COVID-19 deaths reported Monday in Kane County, according to public health officials.

Aurora Restaurant To Give 1K Holiday Meals To Health Care Workers

Reuland Food Service's "Feeding the Frontline" initiative is back after serving about 10,000 boxed lunches to essential workers this spring.

Most Will Take Coronavirus Vaccine, But Some Skeptical: IL Survey

Some Illinois readers who were surveyed said they worry the coronavirus vaccine process has been rushed and have safety concerns.


Illinois Coronavirus Helpline:

Illinois officials say a state helpline has been set up to provide emotional support and quick answers to questions about the coronavirus pandemic. Illinoisans can test "TALK" to 55-2020 (or "HABLAR" for Spanish), and within 24 hours they will receive a call from a counselor. Residents can also text keywords such as "UNEMPLOYMENT," "FOOD" or "SHELTER," to the same number to receive additional information about those topics.


Coronavirus by the numbers:

Illinois:

  • Total number of coronavirus cases: 823,531

  • Confirmed Deaths: 13,861

  • People tested: 11,481,848

  • Recovered: Illinois does not provide exact numbers of recovered cases, but says the recovery rate is 97 percent.

Nationwide:

  • Total number of coronavirus cases: 15,470,795

  • Deaths: 290,670

  • People tested: 209,388,693

  • Recovered: 5,891,885

Global:

  • Total number of coronavirus cases: 69,269,177

  • Deaths: 1,576,606

  • People tested: No data available

  • Recovered: 44,596,042

Sources: Johns Hopkins University and IDPH


Tips from the CDC on dealing with coronavirus:

While the best way to prevent illness is to avoid virus exposure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention generally recommends taking these actions to prevent the spread of viruses:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

  • Stay home when you are sick.

  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

What to do if you're sick:

Call head if you're planning to visit your doctor:

  • If you have a medical appointment, call the health care provider and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the health care provider's office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.

Stay home unless you must see a doctor:

  • Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness. You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care.

  • Avoid public areas: Do not go to work, school, or public areas.

  • Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing or taxis.

Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home:

  • Stay away from others: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.

  • Limit contact with pets and animals: You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just as you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus.

  • When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a face mask. See COVID-19 and Animals for more information.

Avoid sharing personal household items:

  • Do not share: You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home.

  • Wash thoroughly after use: After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.

Masks:

  • CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.

  • Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

  • The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.

  • Face mask instructions — sew- and no-sew masks


To donate personal protective equipment (PPE), email PPE.donations@illinois.gov. For health questions about COVID-19, call the state coronavirus hotline at 800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.

This article originally appeared on the Arlington Heights Patch