Pekau Downplays Coronavirus Case Increase, Blames More Testing

ORLAND PARK, IL — The Village of Orland Park Mayor, Keith Pekau, provided a coronavirus update on Wednesday addressing concerns of residents and informing the public on statistics pertaining to the virus.

The 10-minute YouTube video showed graphs and numbers that the virus has reached.

"I wanted to take this opportunity to give you more than just an update to the numbers. I realize that when you look at these numbers as much as I do, it is easy to forget that not everyone does the same," Mayor Pekau said. "Also, since the trustees and I use this information to make decisions it is important how I use the data and why I prioritize some information over others."

The mayor explained that it is important to understand the data in order to make decisions for the community out of "respect" and not "emotion or fear." He also said that the goal is to make sure the hospital systems and medical resources are not overwhelmed.

"Cases are what we regularly hear about from press and from the governor. For me, cases do not really tell the story for several reasons. The sheer number of tests. The more we test the more cases we have."

In the past 14 days, there have been 108 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Orland Park, according to Cook County Public Health. The percent change in confirmed cases in the past 14 days is -10%. Orland Park has had a total of 854 positive cases.

The mayor went on to say that the case numbers are inflated because those who already tested positive, and are retesting in the hospital, are testing positive again. He continued saying each positive test, is counted as a positive case. He also said people are getting notified they have tested positive without receiving a test.

"I have personally heard over a dozen anecdotal statements from people who went to get tested, signed up, waited for a really long time, left without taking a test and received a card in the mall saying they tested positive."

The mayor also spoke on the death count by stating that anyone with COVID-19 who dies is labeled as a COVID death. "Here in Orland Park, 97 percent of the deaths had pervious serious health conditions according to the Cook County medical examiner."

To hear more about what the Mayor Pekau had to say, check out the YouTube video.