Illinois Coronavirus Update April 26: 43,903 Cases; 1,933 Deaths

ILLINOIS — State health officials reminded residents not to snort, ingest or inject disinfectants to fight coronavirus amid a suggestion by President Donald Trump that injecting disinfectants could battle the disease. The Illinois Department of Public Health said calls to the Illinois poison control center have spiked in recent days, and ingesting disinfectant can have harmful or fatal consequences.

Meanwhile on Saturday, health officials announced 2,119 new cases of the virus and 80 additional deaths, bringing the new total to 41,777 people who have tested positive for the new coronavirus and 1,874 who have died from it statewide.

Nationally, nearly 940,000 have caught the virus, and more than 53,000 have died from it, as of Sunday morning; thousands more than less than 24 hours earlier.

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, 201,617 people have been tested for the virus in Illinois. Health experts say federal and state governments' failure to test enough people is the biggest barrier to reopening the country.

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The most recent Illinois deaths include:

• Coles County: 1 male 70s
• Cook County: 1 female 30s, 2 females 40s, 2 males 40s, 1 male 50s, 2 females 60s, 8 males 60s, 3 females 70s, 7 males 70s, 5 females 80s, 9 males 80s, 2 females 90s, 3 males 90s, 1 female 100+
• DuPage County: 1 female 90s, 1 male 90s
• Jersey County: 1 male 50s
• Kankakee County: 1 female 80s, 1 female 90s
• Lake County: 1 male 50s, 3 females 70s, 1 male 70s, 1 female 80s, 2 males 80s, 1 female 90s, 1 male 90s
• Macon County: 1 female 80s
• Madison County: 1 male 90s
• McHenry County: 1 female 90s
• Monroe County: 1 female 80s, 1 female 100+
• St. Clair County: 1 female 60s, 1 male 70s, 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s, 1 female 100+
• Whiteside County: 1 male 50s
• Will County: 1 female 60s, 1 male 60s, 1 male 70s, 1 female 80s, 2 males 80s
• Winnebago County: 1 female 100

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 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 5 million Americans have been tested for the coronavirus since the outbreak began, and 126,194 have been hospitalized due to the virus, according to Johns Hopkins University. More than 105,818 people in the U.S. have recovered.

Globally, more than 2.9 million people have been infected and at least 203,545 have died, according to Johns Hopkins University. More than 828,259 people worldwide have recovered from the coronavirus.

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

Don't Ingest, Inject Or Snort Disinfectants: IL Health Officials

Dr. Ngozi Ezike said there has been an increase in calls to the Illinois Poison Center in the past two days.

IL Has Highest Increase In Coronavirus Cases In Single Day

The increase coincided with a boost in the number of tests administered.

Here's What's Reopening Under New Coronavirus Stay-At-Home Order

Face coverings are required, but some state parks and non-essential businesses will reopen

'Hidden Outbreaks' Hit IL Earlier Than Previously Known: Report

Coronavirus was spreading through cities earlier than previously thought, according to researchers.

How To Avoid COVID '19 Pounds' During Extended Stay Home Order

KONKOL COLUMN: Worried extended stay-home order will push you closer to gaining so-called COVID '19 Pounds?'" Here's some advice.

Divided Council Gives Mayor Emergency Powers Amid Coronavirus

In split vote, the City Council voted to expand Mayor Lightfoot's executive spending authority amid the coronavirus crisis until June.

Coronavirus Crisis At Symphony Of Joliet Prompts Changes

The company that runs the Symphony of Joliet has made several changes since Mayor Bob O'Dekirk called the nursing home a mess.

County-By-County Look At Coronavirus Cases

The Chicago area continues to see more cases and deaths due to coronavirus daily. Find out how many cases are in your county.

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.

Drive-Up Coronavirus Testing Sites Add As IL Nears 10K Daily

Anyone with coronavirus symptoms can get a test even without a doctor's order.

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

Social distancing is working to curb the spread of the coronavirus, but when can we stop?

Patch Honors Graduates Amid Pandemic: Lemont Class Of 2020

Let's congratulate our Class of 2020 high school graduates in Lemont.

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

After aldermen block vote on mayor's emergency purchasing powers during pandemic, Lightfoot calls move a "selfish" delay by "grandstanders."

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.

Is Domestic Violence Rising During Shutdown? A Look At The Data

Reports of domestic abuse in three cities during the coronavirus shutdown have dropped. But police and experts say that may be a problem.

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

Part of a nationwide "Operation Gridlock movement," the group demanded an end to Illinois' stay-at-home order.

"Everybody Is Equal:" Grocery Store Workers Amid Coronavirus

Two Bolingbrook grocery store workers - and brothers - speak to their experiences as essential workers amid the coronavirus crisis.

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.

Coronavirus Racial Equity Effort Targets 3 Black Neighborhoods

City Hall racial equity task force targets Austin, Auburn Gresham and South Shore in battle against coronavirus in black

Illinois Credit Rating Downgraded Amid Coronavirus

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.

Coronavirus by the numbers:

Illinois:

• Total number of coronavirus cases: 41,777
• Deaths: 1,874
• People tested: 201,617
• Hospitalized: 4,699
• Recovered: No data available

Nationwide:

• Total number of coronavirus cases: 939,249
• Deaths: 53,934
• People tested: 5,184,635
• Hospitalized: 126,194
• Recovered: 105,818

Global:

• Total number of coronavirus cases: 2,917,073
• Deaths: 203,545
• People tested: No data available
• Hospitalized: No data available
• Recovered: 828,259

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.