Coronavirus In Illinois March 16 Update: 105 Cases, 15 Counties

ILLINOIS — As the nationwide tally of coronavirus cases hit more than 4,200, Gov. J.B. Pritzker ordered the shutdown of all Illinois bars and restaurants through at least March 30 — but the Illinois primary set for Tuesday is still on.

Illinois' coronavirus case count jumped 66 Saturday to 105 confirmed cases by Monday. But since only a small number of suspected patients are being tested, the actual numbers are likely much higher, according to Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health. Cases increased by a dozen since Sunday.

"No matter where you live it will come, so you need to be prepared," Pritzker said.

"This is a serious situation here in Illinois," Ezike said.

Ezikie said positive cases have now been confirmed in 15 counties as cases, the newest found in Will County and Peoria County. Other areas with coronavirus cases include Chicago and Champaign, Clinton, Cook, Cumberland, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Sangamon, St. Clair, Whiteside, Winnebago and Woodford counties.

The March 17 primary is still happening, Pritzker said again Monday, despite a "tsunami" of election judges canceling.

"Look, we have to have our elections continue, in my opinion," Pritzker said. "This is the right thing to do, our democracy needs to go on."

The governor added, "We’re taking every precaution. Every time someone votes, it’s being wiped down." Election judges have also been given guidance on maintaining a six-foot social separation distance, and sanitizer is being made available to judges.

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Nationwide, there have been 72 coronavirus deaths, up from 62 deaths reported on Sunday. There have not been any deaths in Illinois.

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

Coronavirus: Help For Illinois Workers During Outbreak, Shutdown

What workers need to know if they get sick or temporarily laid off due to the coronavirus outbreak; plus, other help for families.

Pritzker Orders All Illinois Bars, Restaurants Closed

The governor was frustrated earlier in the week with residents who continue to frequent bars during the coronavirus outbreak.

Coronavirus Crisis: Chicago O'Hare Airport Customs Overwhelmed

Governor angry as thousands of people were stuck in close quarters for up to six hours waiting on U.S. Customs at O'Hare this weekend.

DuPage County Coronavirus: State Of Disaster Declared

County officials declared a state of disaster after a woman in a Willowbrook care facility contracted the coronavirus.

Bulls, Blackhawks To Pay Staff During Coronavirus Shutdown

United Center day-of-game employees will continue to be paid through the end of the season.

All Illinois Schools Closed Due To Coronavirus Outbreak

Governor orders all public and private schools across the state to close starting Tuesday and continuing through March 30.

Illinois Casinos To Close For 14 Days Due To Coronavirus

Casinos in Joliet, Aurora, Elgin, Des Plaines, and downstate, will be closed for 14 days on orders from the Gaming Board.

Long Lines, High Demand For Items At Sam's Club, Costco

Membership retail stores that offer items in bulk were busy on Thursday as residents of the south suburbs and across the world are dealing with the outbreak of the new coronavirus COVID-19.

Illinois Tollway Booths Shut Down

Drivers will need to pay online or use an I-PASS to pay their tolls as Tollway officials do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Coronavirus Closes Illinois Apple Stores

All locations, including Naperville, Chicago, Orland, Schaumburg, Northbrook, Oak Brook and Skokie, are shutting down.

Joliet Diocese Orders One-Weekend, Diocese-Wide Mass Cancellation

In light of growing concerns over the coronavirus, Apostolic Administrator Richard Pates has ordered a one-weekend suspension of all Masses. All diocese schools also closed.

Archdiocese of Chicago Suspends Masses, Closes Catholic Schools

Archdiocese of Chicago suspends public celebration of Mass and closes Catholic schools starting Saturday to slow spread of the coronavirus.

Coronavirus: IL Colleges Move Online, Extend Spring Break

Some schools are moving classes online. Others are telling students to prepare not to return from spring break. Here's what's happening.

State, national coronavirus numbers

Illinois:

• Total number of presumptive coronavirus cases (as of March 14): 105
• 15 counties
• Negative tests: 932
• Total persons under investigation (PUI): 1,038
• Deaths: 0

Nationwide

• Total number of coronavirus cases: 4,287,
• Deaths: 72 deaths (42 in Washington state, eight in New York, xix in California, five in Florida, two in Louisiana, two in New Jersey and one each in Kentucky, Virginia, Georgia, Kansas, New Jersey, Colorado, Oregon and South Dakota)

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).

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