Latest Coronavirus Updates: 220 Cases Confirmed In Orland Park
ORLAND PARK, IL — The number of Orland Park residents who have tested positive for the new coronavirus continues to rise, having reached more than 200 as of April 23, according to data from both the Cook County and Will County health departments.
According to the Cook County Department of Health, there are 154 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in the part of Orland Park that is in Cook County.
According to the Will County Department of Health, there are 66 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the part of the village that's in Will County.
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Nursing homes across the state have been hit particularly hard. The Illinois Department of Public Health has released data reported from nursing homes throughout the state. Alden Estates of Orland Park has five reported cases, Evergreen Senior Living has 13 reported cases and seven deaths, and Smith Crossing self-reported two cases.
In Orland Park, Mayor Keith Pekau issued another video update earlier this week on how the virus is affecting life in the village. He again said plans for large gatherings this summer will continue to be planned but noted they could be canceled if things don't improve.
The mayor said that whether the village returns to normal "next week, next month or next year," there will be a number of people who think it's too early. And that canceling events now isn't in the best interest of the village long-term. Among the reasons he cited for moving forward with the new summer concert season is a notion that the bands already secured for the gigs could "blackball" the village in the music world when the village reaches out to others for future concerts.
Residents of Orland Park have been largely mixed on their collective reaction to the village plans. Some think it will soon be time to reopen the economy and go on with plans, while others think it may be too early since coronavirus numbers statewide continue to trend upward.
Coronavirus testing is now available in the south suburbs, with the nearest testing location to Orland Park now open to anyone eligible at the vehicle emissions test site near 159th and Pulaski in Markham. Anyone older than 65 or anyone older than 17 with a pre-existing condition are eligible, as well as any first responder or hospital worker who is showing symptoms.
Antibody testing remains available at ARCpoint Labs here in Orland Park.
On the local business front, several Orland Park-based business owners have shared their information on when they are open and what they are offering on the Orland Park Patch Local Business Guide.
The Orland Park Chamber of Commerce is one of a few south suburban chambers urging residents and businesses to display blue ribbons in support of essential workers during the crisis.
This article originally appeared on the Orland Park Patch
