Politics & Government

More Than 2,500 New Coronavirus Cases Reported Across IL Friday

For the third day in less than a week, the state added more than 2,000 new cases. Hospitalizations are also on the rise.

As of Thursday night, 1,637 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 across the state, including 371 in intensive care and 124 on ventilators.
As of Thursday night, 1,637 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 across the state, including 371 in intensive care and 124 on ventilators. (Shutterstock)

ILLINOIS — State health officials on Friday announced 2,514 new cases of the coronavirus and 25 additional deaths from COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the virus. This marks the third time since Saturday — when the state reported its most new cases since May 12 — that Illinois topped 2,000 new cases in a single day. The statewide totals now stand at 283,885 confirmed infections and 8,563 known deaths. Another 2,489 probable cases and 244 probable deaths are not included in the official totals.

The latest deaths include:

  • Cook County: 1 male 60s, 2 males 70s, 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s, 1 male 90s, 1 female 100+
  • Cumberland County: 1 female 80s
  • DuPage County: 1 male 70s, 2 females 90s
  • Green County: 1 female 60s, 1 male 60s, 1 female 80s
  • Jersey County: 1 male 90s
  • Kane County: 1 male 50s
  • Menard County: 1 male 90s
  • Richland County: 1 male 80s
  • Saline County: 1 male 70s
  • St. Clair County: 1 female 70s
  • Tazewell County: 1 female 70s
  • Will County: 1 male 60s, 1 male 70s
  • Williamson County: 1 female 80s, 1 female 90s

Gov. J.B. Pritzker warned on Wednesday that Region 1 in the northwest of the state is seeing infections rise at "a concerning rate." The region's positivity rate is now 7.5 percent, just below the threshold that would trigger new restrictions on restaurants and other businesses.

Find out what's happening in Across Illinoiswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“To area residents in Region 1, please wear your masks, encourage others to wear masks, watch your distance, wash your hands, and get your flu shot now, to make sure that if you get COVID-19 it won’t be much worse than it otherwise could be,” the governor said.

Seventeen counties remain at a "warning level" for a surge in cases. They include: Bond, Boone, Cass, Christian, Clinton, Crawford, DeWitt, Fayette, Grundy, Hamilton, Macon, Menard, Peoria, Putnam, Washington, Wayne, and Winnebago.

Find out what's happening in Across Illinoiswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

See how your region is doing here.

"Although the reasons for counties reaching a warning level varies, some of the common factors for an increase in cases and outbreaks are associated with university and college parties as well as college sports teams, large gatherings and events, bars and clubs, weddings and funerals, long-term care facilities, correctional centers, manufacturing plants, schools, and cases among the community at large," health officials said. "General transmission of the virus in the community is also increasing."

Health officials also emphasized the important of getting a shot this year. Flu sickens millions of Americans every year and hospitalizes thousands, which could potentially overload the health care system if a second wave of coronavirus infections coincides with flu season. Also, experts say nothing prevents someone from catching both the flu and the coronavirus at the same time, potentially making both viruses deadlier.

“This season more than ever, it is critical that Illinoisans get our flu shots,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “Flu and COVID-19 each can cause serious respiratory illness, and co-infection could possibly lead to more severe illnesses, hospitalization, and even death. While a vaccine for COVID-19 is still in development, a vaccine for flu already exists and is your best protection against flu. The choice is yours, but I urge you to not risk co-infection of two potentially deadly viruses. Please try and protect yourself and the people around you by getting the flu vaccine, which has been proven over the years to be safe and effective.”

Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine, either as a shot or a nasal spray, health officials said.

The warning comes as hospitalizations are already beginning to rise.

As of Thursday night, 1,637 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 across the state, including 371 in intensive care and 124 on ventilators, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Hospitalizations across the state have risen 12.5 percent over the last 3 days, falling slightly from a high on Thursday.

The statewide positive-test rate is currently 3.6 percent. The number is a rolling, seven-day average and is 0.1 percentage points higher than on Thursday. In the past 24 hours, labs in Illinois have processed 69,793 coronavirus tests, for a total of more than 5.3 million since the pandemic began.

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.

The United States now has more than 6.9 million confirmed coronavirus infections, and at least 202,344 Americans have died from COVID-19, according to Johns Hopkins University. Based on the latest predictions by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 207,000 to 218,000 Americans could be dead from the disease by Oct. 10.

Globally, more than 31.9 million people have been infected and 978,369 are known to have died.


Illinois Patch Local Business Information Center

As local and state economies slowly emerge from pandemic lockdowns, it's often hard for customers to know the conditions under which local businesses are open. The business center contains easily accessible and up-to-date information about scores of local businesses, including everything from operating hours to the availability of by-appointment services, quick website links and other contact information. It's free to use and free for businesses to join.


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

47 Days On Ventilator: 19-Year-Old COVID-19 Survivor Has Message

Jibriel Tawalbeh, 19, of Palos Hills, was the last person anyone would have expected to become critically ill from COVID-19.

Trump Rally Planned Friday Near Coronavirus Death Scoreboard

The Northbrook event is being organized by a Glenbrook North High School junior, who said he was attacked last weekend [VIDEO].

Coronavirus Death Scoreboard Vandalized In Northbrook

This is the fourth incident since it went up last week, the latest coming Tuesday as Village Board was discussing whether it could stay up.

Kids Will Trick-Or-Treat, But Parents Wary: Illinois Patch Survey

Parents also weighed in on alternative ways to celebrate Halloween during the coronavirus pandemic.

Halloween In IL: Avoid 'High Risk' Trick-Or-Treating, CDC Says

Several Chicago-area towns have set trick-or-treating hours despite the coronavirus pandemic and new CDC guidance.

Socially Distant Halloween Egg Hunts Might Save Trick-Or-Treating

One St. Louis resident is pitching an idea for safe trick-or-treating this year, and a local company has stepped forward to make it happen.

Village Not Recommending Trick-Or-Treating In Buffalo Grove

The Village Board opted not to ban Halloween tradition outright Monday as to not overwhelm police with enforcement requirements.

Trick-Or-Treating A Go In Manhattan; Can Be 'Accomplished Safely'

Manhattan police added that "traditions and rituals are important for psychological health and the overall well-being of the community."

Coronavirus Rules Permit Interstate Travel For Youth Hockey

An Evanston youth ice hockey club travelled to Indiana and Wisconsin to avoid restrictions on the sport in Illinois.

Kindergarteners Return To Classrooms Thursday In Deerfield 109

Other elementary grades will follow in next two weeks as part of hybrid model

Ford Distributing Free Face Masks In Arlington Heights

Ford PPE Day is part of a national initiative by Ford and its philanthropic arm, the Ford Motor Company Fund.

Chicago Coronavirus Positivity Rate Falls Below 5 Percent

The percentage of coronavirus tests in Chicago to come back positive for the virus this week fell to its lowest point since early August.


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: 283,885
  • Deaths: 8,563
  • People tested: 5,363,471
  • Recovered: Illinois does not provide exact numbers of recovered cases, but says the recovery rate is 96 percent.

Nationwide:

  • Total number of coronavirus cases: 6,982,405
  • Deaths: 202,886
  • People tested: 98,481,026
  • Recovered: 2,710,183

Global:

  • Total number of coronavirus cases: 32,284,038
  • Deaths:983,952
  • People tested: No data available
  • Recovered: 32,284,038

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.


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