IL Reports 3,874 New Cases, 51 Counties Now At 'Warning Level'

ILLINOIS — State health officials on Friday announced 3,874 new cases of the coronavirus and 31 more deaths from COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the virus. A day after reported a record number of new cases, officials said 51 Illinois counties are now at a "warning level" for a surge in infections. The statewide totals now stand at 364,033 confirmed infections and 9,418 known deaths. Another 4,713 probable cases and 270 probable deaths are not included in the official totals.

The latest deaths include:

• Adams County: 1 female 70s
• Christian County: 1 male 40s, 1 female 80s
• Clark County: 1 female 80s
• Clinton County: 1 male 90s
• Cook County: 1 male 30s, 1 female 90s
• DeWitt County: 1 female 70s
• Jefferson County: 1 male 60s
• Kane County: 1 female 70s
• Kankakee County: 1 male 60s
• Lake County: 1 female 70s
• LaSalle County: 2 females 90s
• Macon County: 1 male 70s, 1 male 80s
• Madison County: 1 female 80s
• McLean County: 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s
• Rock Island County: 1 male 90s
• Sangamon County: 1 male 70s
• Shelby County: 1 female 70s
• St. Clair County: 1 male 80s
• Tazewell County: 1 male 80s
• Vermilion County: 2 males 70s
• Warren County: 1 male 90s
• White County: 1 male 70s, 1 male 90s
• Will County: 1 female 70s

Hospitalizations continued to rise across the state, jumping another 11.6 percent from Thursday and a stunning 24 percent from the beginning of the week. As of Thursday night, 2,498 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 across Illinois, inluding 511 in intensive care and 197 on ventilators.

The statewide test positivity rate — a rolling, seven-day average — fell a tenth of a percentage point to 5.6 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.

New restrictions went into effect on Regions 7 and 8 Friday, but some bars and restaurants are pledging to defy the governor's orders. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dining at bars and restaurants is closely linked to the spread of the virus in many communities. Adults who tested positive for the virus were approximately twice as likely to have reported dining at a restaurant than those with negative test results, according to a CDC study published in September. Experts now believe the coronavirus is airborne, and tiny droplets containing the virus can linger indoors for hours as aerosols, making indoor dining especially risky.

Fifty-one counties are now at a "warning level" for a surge in coronavirus cases, including Adams, Bond, Boone, Carroll, Cass, Christian, Clay, Clinton, Crawford, DeKalb, Douglas, Edwards, Fayette, Ford, Franklin, Gallatin, Greene, Hamilton, Henderson, Jersey, Jo Daviess, Johnson, Kane, Kendall, Knox, LaSalle, Lee, Macon, Macoupin, McDonough, McHenry, Mercer, Morgan, Moultrie, Ogle, Perry, Pike, Pulaski, Rock Island, Saline, Shelby, Stephenson, Union, Vermilion, Wabash, Warren, Wayne, Whiteside, Will, Williamson, and Winnebago.

See how your region is doing here.

"Although the reason for counties reaching a warning level varies, some of the common factors for an increase in cases and outbreaks are associated with gatherings in people’s homes, weddings and funerals, bars and clubs, university and college parties as well as college sports teams, family gatherings, long-term care facilities, correctional centers, schools, and cases among the community at large, especially people in their 20s," according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

State health officials also pointed to businesses "blatantly disregarding mitigation measures" and many individuals not social distancing or wearing masks as reasons for the surge.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Sunday blamed president Trump for "modeling bad behavior."

"He doesn't wear a mask in public. He has rallies where they don't encourage people to wear masks in public. This is rhetoric that people understand, particularly in rural areas of my state, that well, 'The president doesn't wear a mask, we don't need to wear a mask. It's not that dangerous,'" he told CNN's Jake Tapper. "The truth of the matter is that it is very dangerous."

The United States now has more than 8.4 million confirmed coronavirus infections and at least 223,381 Americans have died from COVID-19, according to Johns Hopkins University. Based on the latest predictions by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 235,000 to 247,000 Americans could be dead from the disease by Nov. 14.

Globally, more than 41.9 million people have been infected and more than 1.1 million 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:

No Statewide Stay-At-Home Order Planned: Pritzker

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Friday Illinois should not expect statewide shutdown again.

These Will County Restaurants Say They'll Defy Indoor Dining Ban

Mitigations call for the shutdown of indoor dining and bar service, but several restaurants say they will remain open.

Al's Steakhouse Braces For Another Coronavirus Shutdown

Joliet's most famous restaurant remains frustrated with Gov. JB Pritzker's decision to penalize restaurants and bars during the pandemic.

Glenview Jewel Employee Loses Job For Mask Dispute With Customer

A petition to get the man, who has special needs, his job back has received over 9,000 signatures.

Coronavirus Case Closes Aurora Driver Services Facility

The facility will be shut down for the next two weeks with all employees quarantining after one tested positive.

Pilsen Restaurant To Test New Design For Cold Weather Outdoor Dining

CBS 2 Morning Insider Tim McNicholas reports it's all thanks to a local design company that's changing their game plan.

Coronavirus Mitigations In Region 7, 8 Start Friday

No indoor service at bars or restaurants is among new restrictions for Regions 7 and 8 — DuPage, Kane, Will and Kankakee counties.

Potential COVID-19 Vaccines Will Be Verified By IL: Pritzker

Illinois will test any vaccine approved by federal agencies that have been "completely politicized" under President Trump, Pritzker said.

Nearly 500 COVID-19 Cases Linked To IL Schools: See Where

Teachers, school leaders and parents want state health officials to provide more info on where the cases are happening.

Gene & Georgetti Closing Rosemont Location

The River North location of the family steakhouse, founded in 1941, will remain open in Chicago.

Gov. Pritzker Blames Trump For "New Wave" Of Coronavirus Cases

The president is "modeling bad behavior" by holding maskless rallies, and IL has had little help from the federal government, Pritzker said.

Chicago Mayor Warns Of COVID-19 Restrictions Amid "Second Surge"

Mayor Lori Lightfoot says she will reinstate strict Phase 3 coronavirus restrictions if "second surge" of COVID-19 cases continues.

Coronavirus Deaths Could Double By Feb. 1: Report

A widely cited coronavirus projection model has released updated estimates on how the pandemic could impact Illinois through Feb. 1.

Teen With COVID-19 Infected 11 Relatives From IL, 3 Other States

Experts now believe the coronavirus is airborne, and tiny droplets containing the virus can linger indoors for hours as aerosols.

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: 364,033
• Deaths: 9,418
• People tested: 7,113,338
• Recovered: Illinois does not provide exact numbers of recovered cases, but says the recovery rate is 96 percent.

Nationwide:

• Total number of coronavirus cases: 8,440,895
• Deaths: 223,381
• People tested: 128,964,596
• Recovered: 3,353,056

Global:

• Total number of coronavirus cases: 41,982,448
• Deaths: 1,140,422
• People tested: No data available
• Recovered: 28,421,337

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.