Illinois Coronavirus Update April 6: 12,262 Cases; 307 Deaths

ILLINOIS — Illinois has added 1,006 new coronavirus cases since Sunday, and 33 more people have died, state health officials said Monday. As of 2:30 p.m., the state's coronavirus case count stood at 12,262, with 307 deaths attributable to COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

The new deaths include:

• Cook County: 1 man in his 30s, 2 men in their 40s, 1 woman in her 50s, 2 men in their 50s, 5 women in their 60s, 1 man in his 60s, 5 women in their 70s, 2 men in their 70s, 1 woman in her 80s, and 2 men in their 80s
• DeKalb County: 1 man in his 50s
• Lake County: 2 men in their 80s
• Will County: 1 man in his 40s, 1 man in his 50s, 2 men in their 70s, 2 women in their 80s, and 2 men in their 80s

Jefferson and Wabash counties also reported their first cases of the virus, state health officials said, uring residents to do what they can to keep those numbers from climbing any higher.

"I'd like to begin today with a simple plea," Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said. "Please continue to stay home."

Meanwhile, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends 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.

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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.

At 130,689 confirmed cases as of Monday afternoon, 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 1.3 million people have been infected. At least 73,703 people around the world have died, according to Johns Hopkins, and 275,832 have recovered.

Nationally, there were 352,546 confirmed coronavirus cases and 10,389 deaths; 18,999 Americans have recovered.

(Johns Hopkins Center for Systems Science and Engineering)

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Coronavirus by the numbers:

Illinois:

• Total number of presumptive coronavirus cases: 12,262
• People tested: 62,942
• Deaths: 307

Nationwide:

• Total number of coronavirus cases: 352,546
• Deaths: 10,389
• Recovered: 18,999

Global:

• Total number of coronavirus cases: 1,324,907
• Deaths: 73,703
• Recovered: 275,832

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.