Illinois reports 2,724 COVID-19 cases and 108 deaths in last 24 hours; statewide case total nearly 40k
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CHICAGO -- Illinois health officials on Friday announced 2,724 new cases of the coronavirus, raising the state’s case total to 39,658.
There are also another 108 deaths from the disease in Illinois in the last 24 hours, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. The state’s death toll is now 1,795 people.
The virus has been reported in 96 of the state's 102 counties. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to older than 100 years.
Of the 108 new deaths announced Friday, the youngest victim is a man in his 20s, while the oldest is a woman in her 100s, IDPH said.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Thursday extended his stay-at-home order through May 30 as the highly contagious COVID-19 continued its rounds.
Pritzker’s decree, which was to expire April 30, was relaxed to allow for some outdoor activities, many previously barred surgeries and medical treatments, and to allow some retailers to reopen to fill online or pickup orders.
While already strongly recommended, face coverings for anyone older than 2 will be required in public, both indoors and outside if the recommended 6-foot social distance can’t be maintained.
“We are in possibly the most difficult parts of this journey,” Pritzker said. “I know how badly we all want our normal lives back. Believe me, if I could make that happen right now, I would, but this is the part when we have to dig in.”
The order is meant to keep people from venturing out and interacting in crowds, an easy means of transmission for the coronavirus.
Experts originally said the number of COVID-19 cases would peak by the second half of April and many predicted the number would be dropping by month’s end. But Pritzker has said the peak won’t come until May, requiring an extension of such efforts to restrict the virus’s spread.
The original order came days after Pritzker closed nonessential businesses and shuttered schools for a period later extended through the end of the academic year. It allowed trips outside the home for reporting to an essential job, trips to the grocery store or pharmacy, medical visits or emergencies. Penalties for violations have been rare.
Also on Thursday, a southern Illinois state lawmaker filed a lawsuit against Gov. Pritzker for extending the state’s stay-at-home order.
Republican State Rep. Darren Bailey of Xenia claims in the lawsuit filed in Clay County Circuit Court that Pritzker has exceeded his authority and is violating the civil rights of the state’s residents. Pritzker on Thursday extended his stay-at-home order through May 30 as the highly contagious COVID-19 continued to infect thousands in the state.
“Enough is enough!” Bailey said in a statement. “I filed this lawsuit on behalf of myself and my constituents who are ready to go back to work and resume a normal life.”
Governor Pritzker says the state has set up a way to get in touch with a mental health professional if the COVID-19 pandemic is causing you anxiety. Just text "TALK" (or "HABLAR" for Spanish assistance) to 552020. You can also text the words "UNEMPLOYMENT," "FOOD" or SHELTER" to the same number for assistance.
The state is also launching a remote care program for COVID-19 patients whose symptoms are not severe. Healthcare workers will connect digitally with patients on a daily basis. And, depending on the severity of the situation, the state might provide kits with blood pressure cuffs and thermometers.
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.