More than 720K COVID-19 Tests Completed as Illinois Inches Toward Next Phase

New statewide totals: 107,796 cases, 4,790 deaths

The drive-thru testing facility at 6959 Forest Preserve Drive in Chicago. (WTTW News)The drive-thru testing facility at 6959 Forest Preserve Drive in Chicago. (WTTW News)

Illinois remains on track to enter the next phase of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s reopening plan, according to Illinois Department of Public Health data which shows 722,247 coronavirus tests have been conducted to date.

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In the 24 hours between Friday and Saturday, labs reported running tests on 25,114 specimens, according to IDPH.

Pritzker’s Restore Illinois plan divides the state into four regions, each of which must meet certain metrics in order to move to the next phase, including a COVID-19 positivity rate of 20% or less for 14 days in a row.

All regions appear to be on track, according to IDPH data.

The statewide positivity rate is currently 13%, while the rate for the northeastern region that covers Cook County is 15.5%.

IDPH also reported 2,352 new cases of COVID-19 and 75 additional deaths, bringing statewide totals to 107,796 and 4,790, respectively.

Contact Kristen Thometz: @kristenthometz (773) 509-5452  [email protected]


Coronavirus Prevention Tips and Resources

Officials advise taking preventive measures to slow the spread of the virus, including: 

—Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water
—Using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
—Sneezing or coughing into a tissue and then disposing of the tissue
—Limiting contact with people regardless of how you feel
—Staying home when you are sick

Symptoms of COVID-19 include, but are not limited to:

—New onset of fever, cough, shortness of breath
—Congestion in the nasal sinuses or lungs
—Sore throat, body aches or unusual fatigue

If you think you have COVID-19:

Call your doctor before showing up at their office. If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, tell the operator that you think you have COVID-19. If possible, wear a mask before medical help arrives or presenting at a doctor’s office. More advice for those who think they have COVID-19.

Additional resources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Illinois’ COVID-19 website
Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) website
—IDPH COVID-19 hotline: 800-889-3931
—IDPH COVID-19 email link
City of Chicago COVID-19 website
—City of Chicago COVID-19 hotline: 312-746-4835
—City of Chicago COVID-19 email link


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