Coronavirus In Illinois: March 23 Update As Death Toll Hits 12

ILLINOIS — Days after announcing a statewide stay-at-home order, Gov. J.B. Pritzker has issued a call to all former or recently retired doctors to return to health care as Illinois' coronavirus case count hit more than 1,200 and health officials reported the 12th death from the virus.

Meanwhile, only essential businesses — from doctor's offices to grocery stores, pharmacies, and even restaurants offering curbside pickup and packaged liquor sales — remain open during the statewide shutdown. Residents can leave their homes to purchase essentials and do outdoor activities but are reminded to practice social distancing by staying at least 6 feet from others.

The statewide stay-at-home order is in effect until at least April 7, and Illinois schools are closed through at least April 8.

On Sunday, Pritzker demanded additional medical supplies as Illinois hospitals continued to see an increase in coronavirus patients. He also responded to an angry tweet from President Donald Trump, telling Trump to "Get off Twitter & do your job."

Also on Monday, the Illinois National Guard shut down rumors it is closing Illinois highways.

Nationwide, there have been 35,241 confirmed coronavirus cases and 473 deaths as of Monday morning.

Pritzker is expected to give an Illinois coronavirus update at 2:30 p.m. Monday.

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

Illinois Coronavirus Stay-At-Home Order: What Does It Mean?

Which businesses are still open, and what are the rules for where you can and can't go?

IL Coronavirus Cases Spike; Gov. Demands More Medical Supplies

An infant is now among the 1,049 reported cases of coronavirus in Illinois. There have been nine deaths, state health officials said Sunday.

NBC Chicago TV Dramas Donate Med Gear To Real Coronavirus Heroes

NBC Universal donates medical masks used as TV props on NBC's "Chicago Med," "Fire" and "P.D." to real-life coronavirus first responders.

Ex-Doctors Called To Action As IL Coronavirus Death Toll Hits6

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said health care licenses would be extended through September and new licenses would be expedited.

Archdiocese Holds Online Masses During Coronavirus Shutdown

The Archdiocese of Chicago is offering Sunday and daily Masses online in English, Polish and Spanish during coronavirus shutdown.

IL Coronavirus 'Stay At Home' Order Issued

"This is the only way forward ... There are no empty wards for patients or nurses waiting in the wings. We barely have enough masks for the nurses we have."

How To Cope Amid Coronavirus Social Distancing: Social Worker

Social distancing may have consequences for those also suffering from depression, anxiety and other mental health issues.

Coronavirus: Mayor Extends CPS Closures Through April 20

Mayor Lori Lightfoot extends the Chicago Public Schools closure through April 20, orders sick people to stay home and announces fund for small business loans.

IL Coronavirus Cases Could Reach 3,400 By Next Week: Reports

Without more coronavirus tests, Illinois is "flying blind," unable to identify location of "real clusters" of infected people, an expert says.

Coronavirus: Illinois Hospital Group Calls For Mask Donations

The Illinois Health and Hospital Association calls on construction companies, veterinarians and dentists to donate face masks, N95 respirators.

State, national coronavirus numbers

Illinois:

• Total number of presumptive coronavirus cases: 1,285
• People tested: 9,868
• Deaths: 12

Nationwide

• Total number of coronavirus cases: 41,708
• Deaths: 573
• Jurisdictions reporting cases: 54 (50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and U.S. Virgin Islands)

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 health care provider and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the health care 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 and animals: You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just as 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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• Expert Offers Common-Sense Reasons Not To Panic Over Coronavirus
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