Illinois AG Kwame Raoul tests positive for COVID-19

CHICAGO - Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced Tuesday that he has tested positive for COVID-19, has mild symptoms and was self-isolating on the advice of his doctor.

Raoul, a first-term Democrat, said he was tested a day earlier after experiencing symptoms.

“I am fortunate to be otherwise healthy and am following recommendations to protect those around me,” he said in a statement.

Raoul’s disclosure comes as the number of cases in Illinois has been falling and state has been taking gradual steps to reopen amid stay-at-home orders.

State public health officials reported 623 new COVID-19 cases Tuesday and 72 deaths. Since the pandemic began, there have been 133,639 cases in Illinois and 6,398 deaths.

Also Tuesday, Chicago officials said all six city-run testing sites will provide free diagnostic tests to anyone who has participated in a large gathering that put them at high risk of exposure, including recent protests over policing. They encouraged anyone who has participated to get tested.

“We still have a long way to go with this pandemic and we all have a part to play in keeping ourselves and our communities healthy and secure during the months ahead,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a statement.