(Bert Kaufmann / Wikimedia)
On Monday, Illinois recorded its fewest number of deaths linked to the coronavirus since early April, according to data from the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Over a 24-hour period from Sunday to Monday, COVID-19 was linked to the deaths of 31 Illinoisans — the lowest number since April 5, when 31 deaths were also reported — as the state saw an additional 1,713 cases. In total, 4,884 deaths across 100 counties in Illinois have been reported.
The first death linked to the virus in Illinois was announced by the IDPH on March 17. Roughly two months later, on May 13, the state saw the highest number of deaths in a 24-hour period, with 192 reported by health officials.
The state has so far tested 769,564 specimens for the virus, including 21,643 between Sunday and Monday, according to the IDPH.
With a seven-day positivity rate of 12% across the state – and a slightly higher rate of 14.5% in the Northeast Region, which includes Cook County — Illinois is expected to enter phase three of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s reopening plan Friday. In preparation, the governor on Sunday released guidelines designed to detail how “retail, offices, manufacturing, barbershops and salons, summer programs, various outdoor recreation activities and bars and restaurants for outdoor dining” will be allowed to reopen.
The rest of Illinois is set to reopen sooner than Chicago.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Friday announced the city could move into phase three of its reopening plan by June 10.
Pritzker did not deliver a daily briefing on Monday, Memorial Day; he is expected to resume the briefings Tuesday at 2:30 p.m.
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
