Governor Pritzker now says Illinois may not hit COVID-19 peak until mid-June
CHICAGO - Illinois Governor JB Pritzker on Monday said the state may not hit its coronavirus peak until mid-June, according to the latest data.
The peak was originally predicted to hit late April, and then mid-May. This comes as suburban communities are pushing the governor to reopen the state sooner than he plans.
Also on Monday, Illinois health officials announced 1,266 new cases of the coronavirus, raising the state’s case total to 79,007.
There were also another 54 deaths from the disease in the last 24 hours, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. The statewide death toll is now at 3,459.
In the last 24 hours, state labs have processed 12,441 coronavirus tests. In total, Illinois has administered 442,425 virus tests.
The virus has been reported in 98 of the state's 102 counties. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to older than 100 years.
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In addition, Director of IDPH Dr. Ngozi Ezike announced Monday that Illinois has received its first shipment of remdesivir to treat coronavirus patients.
Also, cases at Illinois Veterans' Homes are being monitored.
"Currently, the home in Manteno is reporting 40 cases – 30 residents and 10 staff. One resident at the LaSalle home tested positive but has since tested negative, and there have been no cases reported at the Anna or Quincy homes. All residents and staff at Manteno and LaSalle have been tested. Specimens are currently being collected at the home in Anna and will be collected at the Quincy home on Wednesday," IDPH said in a statement.
Last week, Gov. Pritkzer announced a framework for reopening the state. He says the five-phased plan, named Restore Illinois, is guided by public health metrics designed for reopening businesses, schools, and recreational activities in each phase.
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For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness and death.