Coronavirus In Illinois March 25 Update: Prisons Hit By Virus

ILLINOIS — As 330 additional coronavirus cases were confirmed in Illinois, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced that state income tax filing is now due July 15, in a move that matches the extended federal tax deadline. Three additional coronavirus deaths have been reported in Illinois, bringing the death toll to 19.

Meanwhile, two prison guards and one inmate at Stateville Correctional Facility have tested positive for coronavirus, and a contractual worker at Sheridan Correctional Center has as well.

In the City of Chicago, officials said 911 calls have dipped by 30 percent since the stay-at-home order took effect on Saturday.

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

Nationwide, there have been 62,086 confirmed coronavirus cases and 869 deaths as of Wednesday afternoon.

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

330 New Illinois Coronavirus Cases; State Tax Deadline Extended

New cases include two corrections officers at Stateville prison and one inmate.

16 Coronavirus Deaths: Pritzker 'Not Willing To Sacrifice Anyone'

Pritzker outlines steps being taken to increase the number of hospital beds, ventilators and other essentials as IL reports 250 more cases.

IL Coronavirus: Best Buy, Burlington Among Store Closings

More than 50 retail chains have temporarily shuttered in response to the ongoing new coronavirus outbreak.

911 Calls Dip 30 Percent As Chicagoans Stay Home Amid Coronavirus

Chicago police say traffic stops have dropped significantly and 911 calls decreased by 30 percent after the coronavirus stay-at-home order.

Coronavirus IL: Feds Now Say They'll Send Ventilators, Masks

Also, biotech companies and the Illinois Manufacturer's Association are ramping up production of masks, gloves, ventilators and more.

Coronavirus Hits Cook County Jail: Sheriff

Two Cook County Jail detainees are in isolation after testing positive for new coronavirus, the sheriff says.

Coronavirus: Chicago Using Hotels To Preserve Space At Hospitals

Mayor Lightfoot's administration partners with hotels, YMCA to create more isolation rooms and beds for homeless as coronavirus spreads.

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.

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: 1,865
• People tested: 11,485
• Deaths: 19
  • 9 deaths in County County
  • 1 death in McLean County
  • 1 death in Sangamon County
  • 1 death in Will County
  • 4 "unassigned"

Nationwide

• Total number of coronavirus cases: 62,086
• Deaths: 869
• 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).