Illinois Coronavirus Update April 24: 39,658 Cases; 1,795 Deaths

ILLINOIS — Friday saw Illinois' greatest one-day increase in coronavirus cases since the pandemic began. State health officials announced 2,724 new cases of the virus on Friday and 108 additional deaths, bringing the new total to 39,658 people who have tested positive for the new coronavirus and 1,795 who have died from it statewide.

Nationally, more than 884,004 Americans have caught the virus, and more than 50,360 have died from it, as of Friday afternoon.

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The most recent Illinois deaths include:

• Boone County: 1 male 60s
• Clinton County: 1 female 100+
• Cook County: 1 male 30s, 1 female 40s, 3 males 40s, 1 female 50s, 5 males 50s, 4 females 60s, 7 males 60s, 14 females 70s, 15 males 70s, 10 females 80s, 11 males 80s, 4 females 90s, 5 males 90s
• DuPage County: 1 female 60s, 1 male 80s, 3 females 90s, 2 males 90s
• Jefferson County: 1 male 70s
• Kankakee County: 1 female 50s, 1 female 80s
• Lake County: 1 female 50s, 1 male 50s, 1 female 60s, 1 male 60s, 1 female 90s
• Madison County: 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s
• McHenry County: 1 male 50s
• Sangamon County: 1 male 70s
• Whiteside County: 1 unknown 90s
• Will County: 1 male 20s, 1 female 70s, 1 female 80s, 2 males 80s

Despite earlier projections that coronavirus cases could peak in mid-April in Illinois, Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday told the Washington Post that the virus is now expected to peak statewide in mid-May. According to other estimates from the governor's office obtained by the Sun-Times, Illinois is already in the middle of its peak and could see up to 150 deaths per day through the first week of May.

According to the Institute for Health Metrics, which was behind one of the nation's leading coronavirus models, Illinois may be able to begin to relax its social distancing guidelines on May 19, when infections will drop below one per million, according to that group's estimates — but only if the state can expand its testing and contact tracing capabilities, isolate new infections and continue to limit the size of social gatherings.

The state is working to increase its testing capacity, and on Friday for the first time exceeded its 10,000-test-a-day goal. So far, 186,219 people have been tested for the virus in Illinois, 12,903 more than reported on Thursday. This marks the third time the state has come close to or gone past its daily testing goal. Health experts say federal and state governments' failure to test enough people is the biggest barrier to reopening the country.

The governor last week said he will work in "close coordination" with six other Midwestern governors, including Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Tony Evers of Wisconsin, Mike DeWine of Ohio, Tim Waltz of Minnesota, Eric Holcomb of Indiana and Andy Beshear of Kentucky, "to reopen our economies in a way that prioritizes our workers' health."

In an interview the Washington Post earlier this week, the governor noted that Illinois was the second state after California to issue a stay-at-home order.

"The result is we've had many fewer deaths than anticipated, our hospitalization rate is somewhat stable, climbing a little bit but somewhat stabilizing — and, of course, our ventilator needs have gone down," Pritzker said. "Real progress has been made, and while we never know the exact impacts of the efforts all of you have made to protect your communities, all of the projections indicate that you have saved thousands of lives."

Ninety-six of 102 Illinois counties now report coronavirus cases.

More than 4.6 million Americans have been tested for the coronavirus since the outbreak began, and 124,223 have been hospitalized due to the virus, according to Johns Hopkins University. More than 80,934 people in the U.S. have recovered.

Globally, more than 2.7 million people have been infected and at least 192,019 have died, according to Johns Hopkins University. More than 751,501 people worldwide have recovered from the coronavirus.

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

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Oswego Nursing Home Says 14 Coronavirus Cases In Residents, Staff

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County-By-County Look At Coronavirus Cases

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IL In 'Peak' Of Coronavirus Deaths — But It Could Have Been Worse

Pritzker's office said projections show that without a stay-at-home order, the coronavirus death toll could have been 14 times worse.

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Coronavirus Won't Peak Until Mid-May: Pritzker

The stay-at-home order has pushed the peak of the virus by at least a month, even as another 119 Illinois residents have died.

Gov. Pritzker Says Social Distancing 'Saved Thousands Of Lives'

The governor also said he's considering possibly taking a regional approach to reopening the state's economy.

Here's When Illinois May Relax Social Distancing: Study

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Lake Forest Billionaires Oppose Coronavirus Shutdown Extension

Liz Uihlein, who last month said "the media is overblowing COVID-19," reportedly urged her employees to recall of the governor of Wisconsin.

Coronavirus Outbreaks Hit Chicago Area Nursing Homes, 286 Deaths

The governor is "frustrated" with the spread of the coronavirus in nursing homes, which have seen more than a fifth of Illinois' deaths.

La Grange Park Requires Face Coverings

The police will enforce the order, including issuing citations if necessary, village says

Abbott Labs Warns Of Possible False Negative In Coronavirus Tests

CBS Chicago reported that Abbott Labs in Lake County is warning of possible false negatives from rapid coronavirus tests due to this reason.

Mayor Scolds Aldermen For 'Selfish' Delay Amid Pandemic

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Pritzker 'Optimism' About Coronavirus Testing Was Never Realistic

KONKOL COLUMN: The trouble with Gov. Pritzker's "optimism" his plan would quickly boost coronavirus testing is that it was never realistic.

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Illinois Coronavirus: 'Prevented Worst-Case Scenarios' So Far

Measures to curb the spread of coronavirus are seeing "real progress," but it's too soon to lift them, Pritzker said.

Protesters Demand Pritzker 'Open Illinois' Despite Coronavirus

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Tribune Publishing To Furlough Workers Amid Coronavirus Shutdown

Three-week furloughs for non-union positions that have not already taken pay cuts will take place through July, according to the firm's CEO.

Pregnant Lake County Jail Inmate Tests Positive For Coronavirus

The woman has been held in the jail's medical unit in lieu of the $25,000 cash portion of her bond, according to the sheriff's office.

McDonald's Offers Free 'Thank You Meals' To First Responders

The offer, which includes health care workers, runs April 22 to May 5 and is limited to one per customer per day.

Northwestern Freezes Hiring, Salaries During Coronavirus Pandemic

Northwestern University President Morton Shapiro said a "return to on-campus instruction in the summer or fall is not guaranteed."

Face Coverings Required In Evanston To Stem Spread Of Coronavirus

Health and Human Services Director Ike Ogbo ordered shoppers and employees at essential businesses to cover their faces or face fines.

Face Coverings Could Be Required In Tinley Park Beginning Friday

The village board of trustees is expected to vote on a resolution requiring face coverings in public as a way to slow the coronavirus.

Coronavirus: Pritzker Explains Nursing Home Data Discrepancies

Those who show coronavirus symptoms at a facility where there is a confirmed case are also counted as confirmed cases, Pritzker said Monday.

81 Coronavirus Cases, 11 Deaths At Carol Stream Facility: IDPH

Cases have been confirmed at the facility's skilled nursing and assisted living units.

Coronavirus Racial Equity Effort Targets 3 Black Neighborhoods

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Argus Brewery In Pullman Closes As Coronavirus Kills Keg Sales

Argus Brewery owner Bob Jensen closed up shop and plans to put the craft brewery up for sale after an award-winning, 10-year run in Pullman.

Closing Schools 'Not A Decision That Was Made Lightly:' Pritzker

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All three major credit ratings agencies have revised the state's outlook to negative. They all rate the state a notch above junk status.

Secret Flight From China Brings Covid-19 Supplies To Illinois

CBS 2's Chris Tye was there and has the details.

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IL's coronavirus stay-at-home order is in place until at least April 30, but the governor is teamed up to work on a plan for reopening.

Coronavirus Could Lead To $7.4 Billion Deficit In Illinois

"This is a public health crisis – but it is accompanied by massive economic disruption that's unprecedented in modern history."

Pritzker Breaks Coronavirus Test Promise To Black Community

"How can the governor say we're bending the curve when they're not testing an entire segment of the population?" Rep. LaShawn Ford said.

'We're On Life Support:' Coronavirus Crisis Squeezes IL Breweries

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Coronavirus: National Guard Helping IL Residents Amid Pandemic

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Coronavirus: 'We Are Bending The Curve,' Pritzker Says

But "this curve may not flatten, and it may go up again if we don't adhere to the stay-at-home order," the Illinois governor said.

Pritzker: 513,000 Unemployment Claims In March Alone

Families are hurting "at a scale many of us haven't seen in our lifetimes," the governor said.

Coronavirus by the numbers:

Illinois:

• Total number of coronavirus cases: 39,658
• Deaths: 1,795
• People tested: 186,219
• Hospitalized: No data available
• Recovered: No data available

Nationwide:

• Total number of coronavirus cases: 884,004
• Deaths: 50,360
• People tested: 4,692,797
• Hospitalized: 124,223
• Recovered: 81,338

Global:

• Total number of coronavirus cases: 2,780,094
• Deaths: 194,664
• People tested: No data available
• Hospitalized: No data available
• Recovered: 765,317

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 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.