Coronavirus In Illinois: Everything You Need To Know

ILLINOIS — As the nationwide tally of coronavirus cases hit more than 800, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued a disaster proclamation — Illinois' version of declaring a state of emergency. The intent wasn't to panic people, but rather to allow for more federal support and reduce red tape in state government, while activating the state's emergency operations center.

Meanwhile, Illinois' case count jumped from 7 cases to 19 cases since Friday as the illness spread outside Cook County.

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Global stocks also plunged Monday, including on Wall Street, as the spread of coronavirus has led governments around the world to take strict measures to try to slow down the outbreak.

Nationwide, there have been 28 coronavirus deaths. There have not been any deaths in Illinois.

Here's what's happening with coronavirus in Illinois:

1st Coronavirus Cases Confirmed Outside Of Cook County

Cases in McHenry and Kane counties, plus additional Cook County cases, bring the state's tally to 19.

St. Patrick's Day Parade, South Side Irish Parade Still On — For Now

While anyone with a cough or flu-like symptoms is asked not to attend the parade or the annual dyeing of the Chicago River green, both the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade and the South Side Irish Parade are still happening, organizers say.

4 New IL Coronavirus Cases: Pritzker Issues Disaster Proclamation

Gov. JB Pritzker issued a disaster proclamation Monday after four additional patients tested positive for COVID-19.

Free Coronavirus Testing Under Largest IL Insurance Companies

Aetna also says it will not charge co-pays for Teledoc/telemedicine visits for 90 days — for any reason.

Coronavirus Closes 4th Chicago-Area School

Two more schools cancelled classes after a community member came into contact with a patient diagnosed with coronavirus.

A Look At The Methods For Coronavirus Testing In Illinois

"We have three IDPH laboratories in Chicago, Springfield, and Carbondale that are all able to test for the virus," said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike.

Who has been diagnosed with coronavirus in Illinois?

Total number of presumptive cases: 19 (17 in Cook County, 1 in Kane County, 1 in McHenry County)

• Cases 1 and 2: A Chicago couple in their 60s; since recovered
• Cases 3 and 4: A suburban Cook County couple in their 70s; in home isolation
• Case 5: Man in his 20s who traveled to Italy; released from hospital and in home isolation
• Case 6: Chicago woman in her 50s who was on a Grand Princess cruise; hospitalized in isolation in stable condition
• Case 7: A Chicago man in his 70s who is believed to be the first case of community exposure; he is in serious condition
• Cases 8 and 9: Two women — one in her 50s and one in her 70s — who are related to the 6th patient; they are in good condition
• Case 10: A California woman visiting Illinois; she is in good condition
• Case 11: A woman in her 70s who recently returned from an Egyptian cruise; she is in good condition
• Case 12: A case was confirmed in Kane County in a woman in her 60s; in good condition in isolation
• Case 13: A case was confirmed in McHenry County in a man in his late teens; in good condition in isolation
• Cases 14-19: Additional Cook County cases; all in good condition in isolation

Nationwide numbers: 808 cases in the U.S. and 28 deaths (23 in Washington state, two in Florida, two in California and one in New Jersey.)

Latest global and U.S. confirmed cases and deaths from Johns Hopkins.

Tips from the CDC on dealing with coronavirus

While the best way to prevent illness is to avoid virus exposure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention generally recommends taking these actions to prevent the spread of viruses:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

What to do if you're sick

Call head if you're planning to visit your doctor: If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed

Stay home unless you must see a doctor:

• Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness. You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care.
• Avoid public areas: Do not go to work, school, or public areas.
• Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.

Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home:

• Stay away from others: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
• Limit contact with pets & animals: You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus.
• When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a face mask. See COVID-19 and Animals for more information.

Avoid sharing personal household items

• Do not share: You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home.
• Wash thoroughly after use: After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.

Masks

The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. You should only wear a mask if a health care professional recommends it. A face mask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms. This is to protect others from the risk of getting infected. The use of face masks also is crucial for health workers and other people who are taking care of someone infected with COVID-19 in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

Related:

• More Than 100 Monitored After Exposure To Coronavirus Patients
• Grand Princess Docks In Oakland; Passenger Quarantines Follow
• Expert Offers Common-Sense Reasons Not To Panic Over Coronavirus
• To Avoid Coronavirus, Americans Over 60 Should Hunker Down: CDC