Illinois Coronavirus Update April 6: 11,256 Cases; 274 Deaths
ILLINOIS — As of Monday, Illinois' coronavirus case count stands at 11,256, with at least 274 deaths, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. State health officials again urge residents to just stay home to keep those numbers from climbing higher.
"I'd like to begin today with a simple plea. Please continue to stay home," Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said.
Meanwhile, the CDC recommended that everyone wear a cloth facial covering — not a medical mask, as those should be reserved for health care professionals — when they must go out in public.
Asked if he recommends Illinois residents use facial coverings, Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Friday said it "seems like a common sense way" to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
U.S. Coronavirus Blog: Deaths Soar; 'This Is The Moment'
On Sunday, state health officials announced 899 new cases and 31 additional deaths in the state. The deaths include:
The latest coronavirus deaths reported in Illinois Saturday include:
Cook County: 2 males 40s, 3 females 50s, 1 male 50s, 1 female 60s, 2 male 60s, 2 females 70s, 2 males 70s, 4 females 80s, 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s
DuPage County: 3 female 70s, 1 female 80s
Kane County: 1 male 70s, 2 female 80s
Kankakee County: 1 female 80s
Lake County: 1 male 60s
Montgomery: 1 male 50s
Peoria: 1 male 90s
Will: 1 male 60s
Boone, Calhoun and Gallatin counties are now reporting their first cases of the virus.
In Will County on Saturday, police said two people died in what has been ruled a murder-suicide that officials believe may have been sparked by what turned out to be unfounded coronavirus fears. As people shelter in place at home, sheriff's officials said the vast majority of service calls involve domestic disputes and crisis intervention calls. Residents are urged to reach out to the sheriff's office or local domestic violence prevention services if they need help.
Meanwhile, a suburban Walmart was on notice after two of its employees died of coronavirus.
As of Monday morning, at 123,160 confirmed cases, New York is by far the worst coronavirus hot spot in the country, followed by New Jersey, Michigan, California, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Florida, Pennsylvania, Washington and Illinois.
Globally, more than 1.2 million people have been infected and at least 70,482 people have died, according to Johns Hopkins. At least 270,249 people around the world have recovered.
Nationally, there were 337,933 confirmed coronavirus cases and 9,654 deaths, along with 17,582 patients who have recovered.
(Johns Hopkins Center for Systems Science and Engineering)
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Here's what's happening with coronavirus in Illinois:
Another Stateville Inmate Dies Of Coronavirus
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan announced Sunday morning that a 66-year-old prisoner from the Stateville Correctional Center has died from the new coronavirus.
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A man and woman in their 50s found dead Thursday have since tested negative for the virus, according to officials.
Illinois Surpasses 10K Cases Of Coronavirus, 243 Deaths
State officials called the numbers, which include the loss of 243 "precious lives" "sobering" and pleaded with residents to stay home.
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"This mask should be re-used until it has lost its integrity," chief nursing officer Lynn Watson wrote in an email to staff.
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Hospitals and funeral homes called about the need for facilities, coroner says.
Coronavirus: Park District Closes Trails, Open Spaces, Courts
All park district offices and park properties will be closed and all programs and events are canceled through May 1.
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19th Ward Ald. Matt O'Shea teamed up with The Original Pancake House to raise $50,000 to support first responders, health care workers.
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Joliet Mayor Bob O'Dekirk talked about the subject during Friday's news conference to discuss the new coronavirus outbreak in Joliet.
Pritzker Denounces 'Profound Failure,' Asks IL To Be 'All In'
The governor once again lashed out at the federal government, then announced a new statewide initiative.
Messages of Love Left Chalked On Grandmother's Driveway
Kids bridge social distancing barrier by covering their grandmother's entire driveway with chalk art.
Coronavirus: Married Couple Die Hours Apart
The couple, in their 80s, emigrated from the Ukraine decades ago.
NorthShore CEO Tests Positive For Coronavirus, Recovers: Report
J.P. Gallagher reportedly managed to prevent his family from becoming infected after being diagnosed with COVID-19 weeks ago.
Star Wars Day Canceled By Library
The annual summer event typically drew around 10,000 people.
IL Unemployment Explodes, Claims Delayed Amid Coronavirus
Nearly 300,000 Illinoisans have filed for unemployment benefits since March 21. Nationwide, 6.6M filed for unemployment in the last week.
Recreational Marijuana Sales Increase Despite Coronavirus
Adult-use cannabis sales in Illinois were up by more than $1 million in March compared to February, officials announced.
Veteran Police Officer City's First To Die Of Coronavirus
Officials confirmed the officer's death on Thursday morning.
Lemont Nursing Home Denial Contradicts Medical Examiner's Finding
On March 30, Franciscan Village posted a letter on their website titled, "The FACTS in Response to the Patch Article posted on 03/28/2020."
Animal Shelters Feel Pinch Amid Coronavirus Shutdown
More pets will likely need help as those struggling financially will not be able to care for them, animal shelter officials said.
Distillery Makes Hand Sanitizer To Fight Coronavirus
The Rockland Road distillery became the first in the nation to receive FDA approval to produce alcohol-based hand sanitizer last month.
These Lake County Jobs Are Available During Coronavirus Shutdown
Amid skyrocketing unemployment claims, these local businesses have immediate job openings.
Coronavirus: U of I Working On Prototype Ventilator
The University of Illinois, in collaboration with Carle Health, is developing a prototype ventilator to address medical equipment shortages.
Coronavirus Cancels Cubs Cardinals Two-Game Series In London
After Opening Day was delayed last week, the league is preparing to play without fans or for the season to be scrapped altogether.
Coronavirus by the numbers:
Illinois:
Total number of presumptive coronavirus cases: 11,256
People tested: 58,983
Deaths: 274
Nationwide:
Total number of coronavirus cases: 337,971
Deaths: 9,654
Recovered: 17,582
Global:
Total number of coronavirus cases: 1,289,380
Deaths: 70,590
Recovered: 270,249
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:
The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. You should only wear a mask if a health care professional recommends it. A face mask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms. This is to protect others from the risk of getting infected. The use of face masks also is crucial for health workers and other people who are taking care of someone infected with COVID-19 in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
To donate personal protective equipment (PPE), email PPE.donations@illinois.gov. For health questions about COVID-19, call the state coronavirus hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.
This article originally appeared on the Across Illinois Patch
