Nurses Cheered, Sports Canceled: Coronavirus In The Southland

SOUTHLAND CHICAGO — The new coronavirus outbreak in the Chicago area and across the nation continues to make an impact in the south suburbs. Schools statewide are now closed for the rest of the academic year and many businesses remain affected by the shelter-in-place order issued by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker a month ago.

Locally this week, a heartwarming scene unfolded during a shift change at Palos Community Hospital, where people came out to cheer the healthcare workers.

But case numbers and deaths continue to rise in all south suburban municipalities. Park Forest leads the south suburbs with 262 confirmed cases, according to the Cook County Department of Public Health as of April 22. Calumet City also has more than 200 confirmed cases.

Face coverings have been made mandatory to wear in public in a few towns like Oak Lawn and Tinley Park. In Orland Park, however, elected officials are eyeing a May reopening for large gatherings.

The financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is also beginning to be felt. The village of Lemont is projecting a $1.5 million revenue loss from the virus. In some places, like Lockport, small business loan programs have been approved.

Here are the latest local updates from the south suburbs:

NEW CASES:

4 More Will County Coronavirus Deaths Reported

Will County reports 107 deaths attributed to the new coronavirus so far this year.

Will County Coronavirus Update: 1,693 Cases, 103 Deaths

Will County's latest reports say 1,693 people in the county have been infected with the coronavirus and 103 have died.

2nd Franciscan Village Associate Positive For Coronavirus

The associate last worked in the facility on April 13, and informed the facility they had tested positive for the coronavirus on April 20.

1 Death, 7 Confirmed Cases Of Coronavirus At The Cottages: IDPH

The Cottages of New Lenox has seven confirmed cases of coronavirus and one related death.

15 Coronavirus Cases, 8 Deaths At Manor Care Homewood

Data released by the Illinois Department of Public Health also shows eight cases and three deaths at Sunrise of Flossmoor.

SCHOOLS:

Pritzker announced Friday that all K-12 schools throughout Illinois will be closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year. READ MORE: Closing Schools ‘Not A Decision That Was Made Lightly’

The Illinois High School Association confirmed that all high school spring sports seasons have been canceled.

Music teachers in Homewood and Flossmoor teamed to present a cute version of the “Three Little Birds” song by Bob Marley, a calming message they shared with their students via a Zoom performance.

BUSINESSES:

All restaurants and bars in the state have been ordered to cease dine-in services through at least the end of April. Small businesses continue to be hit especially hard during the pandemic.

Patch has, at the national level, offered a list of resources for businesses who need help during the coronavirus crisis.

The chambers of commerce in a number of south suburbs have teamed to encourage businesses and residents to “Bring the Blue,” show blue ribbons, to support healthcare workers and first responders who are working during the pandemic.

ALSO: Evergeen Park Library Brings Programs To Stay-At-Home Patrons

In Chicago Heights, a garden center shares why spending more time at home can mean the perfect opportunity to pick up gardening.

An Oak Lawn yoga teacher, sidelined by the coronavirus shutdown, is offering free classes for the quarantined on Zoom.

Cathy O’Hara, owner of O’Hara and Friends Salon, offers tips for quarantine hair.

And at Beverly Records, a virtual sale planned Thursday night is how they are filling in for Record Store Day, which would have occurred last Saturday.

CLOSURES/CANCELLATIONS:

The first summer event in Oak Lawn, the popular St. Catherine of Alexandria parish carnival traditionally held the first weekend of June, was cancelled due to the pandemic. Organizers said it wasn't an easy decision.

Due to low ridership during the pandemic, Pace is suspending its #382 bus route until further notice starting April 20.

June Triple Play Concert Rescheduled To August

Frankfort Bluegrass Festival Canceled

Chicago Cancels Blues Fest, Parades, Concerts Due to Coronavirus

HOSPITALS AND TESTING:

The first coronavirus testing site in the south suburbs has opened in Markham, a place where a number of south suburbanites know as the vehicle emission test site near 159th and Pulaski.

Silver Cross Hospital interviewed nurses for a coronavirus video series. The hospital said the video series has earned more than 44,000 views in total on the hospital’s Facebook page.

Family First Medical Group and Women's Healthcare of Illinois in Evergreen Park is now offering antibody testing to those recovering or emerging from a 14-day self-quarantine after being exposed to someone with coronavirus.

One of two new field hospitals in the Chicago region will be opening outside of Ingalls Hospital in Harvey.

Illinois Coronavirus Update April 22 — Don't miss updates about precautions in the Chicago area as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

GOOD DEEDS AND DONATIONS:

Fourteen-year-old Sarah Kreamalmeyer, of Crestwood, delighted residents on Easter Sunday by riding through the neighborhoods in a bunny costume. It wad hard to tell who was more excited, the kids or the adults.

The Alsip Police Birthday Patrol saved the day by riding past Felix Alvarez’s house to wish him a happy ninth birthday after his party got wiped out during the pandemic.

Darvin Helps Move Families Affected By Domestic Violence

The Odyssey Delivers 500 Meals To Coronavirus Heroes

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Donating blood and volunteering

Local Libraries Collecting Donations In Book Drops

Documenting history: Once the crisis is over, the Lemont library said it will collect journals, photos and other documents from residents and tell the story of life in Lemont during the quarantine.

Here's what else you should know:

Masks are recommended when going outdoors. Here are a few simple ways to make your own mask.

Pritzker and other governors in the Midwest are working on a “reopening” plan. The governor said they will make decisions based on science, and "will work in close coordination to reopen our economies in a way that prioritizes our workers' health."

>>>Here's When IL May Be Able To Relax Social Distancing: Study

How It Spreads

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person. Someone who is actively sick with COVID-19 can spread the illness to others. That is why CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others.

There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19.

While the best way to prevent illness is to avoid virus exposure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention always recommends taking preventive actions to contain the spread of viruses.

This includes:

• 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, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.