Illinois Coronavirus Update May 24: 110,304 Cases, 4,856 Deaths

ILLINOIS — State health officials on Sunday nnounced 2,508 new cases of the coronavirus and 67 additional deaths from COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the virus. The statewide total now stands at 110,304 confirmed infections and 4,856 known deaths.

The most recent deaths include:

• Coles County – 1 female 60s, 1 female 90s
• Cook County – 1 female 20s, 2 males 30s, 1 female 50s, 5 males 50s, 1 female 60s, 9 males 60s, 4 females 70s, 9 males 70s, 11 females 80s, 6 males 80s, 7 females 90s, 3 males 90s
• DuPage County – 1 female 60s
• Macon County – 1 male 60s
• Madison County – 1 unknown 80s
• McLean County – 1 male 80s
• St. Clair County - 1 female 80s
• Winnebago County – 1 female 90s

One hundred of 102 Illinois counties now report cases of the virus, and statewide, deaths range from people younger than one year old to older than 100, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

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Experts say testing, contact tracing and health care capacity are keys to safely lifting lockdowns. Over the past 24 hours, labs in Illinois have processed 25,674 specimens for a total of 747,921. since the pandemic began, according to state officials. The state's rolling, seven-day postivity rate is now 12 percent, a slight decline from recent days, officials said. According to the Johns Hopkins University, a positivity rate of less than 12 percent is a good measure of whether enough tests are being conducted in a given state.

"If a state's positivity rate is too high, that may indicate that the state is only testing the sickest patients who seek medical attention, and does not have enough testing capacity to accurately measure how prevalent the virus is within its communities," the university's coronavirus website says. "A low rate of positivity in testing data can be seen as a sign that a state is testing enough of its population to make informed decisions about reopening."

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said last week, that all regions of the state are on track to move into the next phase of Restore Illinois, his plan to reopen the state, on May 29. But he called on Illinoisans to "stay the course" to make sure that happens.

The United States as a whole has tested more than 13 million people for the coronavirus as of Friday. After early testing failures that left officials unable to track the spread of the disease, that number is improving, but experts say many states are still undertesting.

The United States now has nearly 1.635 million confirmed coronavirus infections, according to Johns Hopkins University, and at least 97,495 Americans have died from COVID-19. Globally, more than 5.371 million people have been infected and 343,617 are known to have died.

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 like "UNEMPLOYMENT," "FOOD," or "SHELTER," to the same number to receive additional information about those topics.

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

IL Legislators Pass Bill Allowing Cocktail Delivery

The measure passed in the House and Senate Saturday night. If signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, the bill would take effect immediately.

WGN-TV Reporter Grabbed By Man In Shorewood

The disturbing incident occurred during WGN's live television broadcast of Saturday night's news from Shorewood.

What Can Open May 29 In Illinois?

The entire state is on track to move into phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan allowing coronavirus restrictions to loosen.

Job Openings In IL: CDC Hiring Contact Tracers To Fight Pandemic

The CDC is looking for contact tracers, who can make up to $65,000 a year and just need a bachelor's degree and a positive attitude.

Illinois Lawmaker Escorted Out Before Special Session Of The House For Not Wearing A Mask

An Illinois lawmaker was escorted out of the first legislative session day since March for refusing to wear a mask. His legal challenge against Pritzker has also been moved to federal court.

Hecky Powell, Restaurateur And Civic Leader, Dies Of COVID-19

The longtime owner of Hecky's Barbecue in Evanston died early Friday after testing positive for the coronavirus, city officials said.

Pritzker Moves Bailey's Legal Challenge To Federal Court

The day before a scheduled hearing, attorneys for the governor filed a motion to remove the case from state court.

IL Restaurants, Bars Can Reopen In Phase 3 With Outdoor Seating

Gov. J.B. Pritzker offered a light at the end of the tunnel for bars and restaurants Wednesday by announcing they can reopen in Phase 3.

Will Pools Open This Summer In Illinois?

Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer and the day when pools typically reopen across Illinois — but coronavirus is changing that.

Naperville Park District Sues Pritzker To Reopen On Its Own Time

The lawsuit was filed Tuesday.

Strike Vote For AMITA St. Joe's Nurses Set

Several hundred Joliet nurses are expected to vote May 28-29 whether to go on strike. The nursing association's contract expired May 9.

Couple Married Over 70 Years Died 2 Days Apart Of COVID-19

Harilal Thakkar, age 90, died on May 17, 2020, at the age of 90. Two days later his wife, Padmaben Thakkar, passed away at the age of 87.

Mayor Lightfoot Says Chicago Restaurants Won't Open In May

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot says city restaurants won't open in May despite state announcement allowing alfresco dining next week.

IL Expands SNAP Benefits To Allow Online Grocery Orders

Online ordering is set to begin June 2 to help Illinois residents remain safe while shopping for necessities.

Emergency Rule Threatening Owners Of Open Businesses Withdrawn

After three hours of closed-door discussions among Democratic lawmakers, IDPH representatives announced the rule would be pulled.

Coronavirus Overruns Hinsdale Facility

An overwhelming majority of the nursing home's residents are being treated for the coronavirus or have recovered from it.

Coronavirus by the numbers:

Illinois:

• Total number of coronavirus cases: 105,444
• Deaths: 4,715
• People tested: 697,133
• Recovered: No data available

Nationwide:

• Total number of coronavirus cases: 1,590,349
• Deaths: 95,495
• People tested: 13,056,206
• Recovered: 298,418

Global:

• Total number of coronavirus cases: 5,168,433
• Deaths: 335,941
• People tested: No data available
• Recovered: 1,990,975

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.