Illinois reports another 136 COVID-19 deaths Wednesday

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CHICAGO -- Illinois health officials on Wednesday announced 2,270 new cases of the coronavirus, raising the state’s case total to 68,232.

There are also another 136 deaths from the disease in the last 24 hours, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. The statewide death toll is now at 2,974.

Within the past 24 hours in Illinois, laboratories have processed 14,974 virus tests. In total, the state has administered 361,260 tests statewide.

Of the 136 new deaths announced Wednesday, the youngest victim is a man in his 30s, while the oldest is a woman in her 100s, IDPH said.

The virus has been reported in 97 of the state's 102 counties. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to older than 100 years.

On Tuesday, Gov. J.B. Pritkzer announced a framework for reopening the state as politicians, businesses and citizens continue to press for an end to the stay-at-home order in Illinois.

Pritzker 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.

RELATED: 'Restore Illinois': Pritzker reveals 5-phase plan to reopen state amid COVID-19 pandemic

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.

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