Hospital Reopened, Wipes For Christ: Coronavirus In The Southland

SOUTHLAND CHICAGO — The new coronavirus outbreak in the Chicago and across the nation is having impacts in the south suburbs, including the closure of schools and many businesses.

The number of cases of the illness caused by the virus, known as COVID-19, continue to rise and additional measures and closures continue to be announced. The governor has declared a "stay-at-home" order for the entire state.

Here are the latest local updates from the south suburbs:

CASES:

A Cook County Department of Public Health map has shown the number of cases in some of the specific south suburban municipalities. Among the highest number reported as of April 1 were 44 in Matteson and 42 in Calumet City.

SCHOOLS:

All K-12 schools in Illinois have been closed by the order of Gov. J.B. Pritzker. READ MORE: All Illinois Schools Closed Due To Coronavirus Outbreak

BUSINESSES:

All restaurants and bars in the state have been ordered to cease dine-in services through April 7.

However, many restaurants continue to serve area restaurants through take-out, carryout and delivery service. For example, here's a list of places in the Palos-area offering those services.

In some places, like Homer Glen, small business loan programs have been approved to help small businesses affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

22nd Century Media, a newspaper chain that operated a number of publications in the south suburbs, cited the loss of advertising due to the coronavirus as reason to close their business.

Macy's has decided to furlough most of its workers, including ones at its stores in Illinois.

HOSPITALS AND TESTING:

Former MetroSouth Hospital Reopened To Treat Coronavirus Patients

Former MetroSouth Medical Center could start receiving quarantined coronavirus patients Thursday after striking deal to reopen with city.

Queen of Martyrs Pools Classroom Lysol Wipes For Advocate Christ

Queen of Martyrs donates disinfectant wipes from classroom closets to Advocate Christ Medical Center.

Mokena Company Creates Movement To Produce Masks For Hospitals

A Mokena healthcare consulting firm has created a movement to produce masks for hospitals to help fight the coronavirus.

South Suburban Hospitals Brace For Coronavirus Surge

Cook County Medical Examiner reports first coronavirus deaths at Advocate Christ, Palos and OSF-Little Company of Mary hospitals.

OSF-Little Company of Mary Expands ER For Coronavirus Pandemic

OSF HealthCare-Little Company of Mary Medical Center ramp up emergency department expansion to accommodate coronavirus patients.

OTHER CANCELLATIONS/CLOSURES:

Quarryman Challenge Rescheduled Due To Coronavirus

The race was originally planned for May, but has been postponed to November due to the coronavirus.

Moraine Valley Reschedules Canceled Performances And Shows

Moraine Valley Fine and Performing Arts Center has reschedule shows and performances canceled during the coronavirus emergency.

Forest Preserve Cancels, Postpones More Events

The forest preserve has canceled the "Hugs for Hounds" event and postponed the "Found Objects Sculpture Trail" event.

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Here's what else you should know:

A national healthcare statistics center has predicted there could be more than 2,300 coronavirus deaths reported in Illinois by the end of August. Read More: 2,360 Coronavirus Deaths Predicted In Illinois By August

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.