Coronavirus In Illinois: What You Need To Know For March 12

ILLINOIS — As the nationwide tally of coronavirus cases hit more than 1,300, officials in Illinois have called off large events like the Chicago St. Patrick's Day parade, saying they are postponed — but no alternate dates have been announced.

Meanwhile, Illinois' case count jumped to 32, including several individuals outside of Cook County in Lake and McHenry counties. The youngest Illinois patient is a child; the oldest are in their 80s.

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The governor urged residents to "think critically" before attending large events, and said some residents should consider requesting a vote by mail ballot for the March 17 primary. The deadline to do so is Thursday.

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The NBA has halted the 2020 season after a player tested positive for coronavirus, and Major League Baseball followed suit, delaying opening day by two weeks and canceling spring training games as of Thursday afternoon. The NHL also suspended its season.

Here in Illinois, IHSA has set a limit on fans in attendance at high school basketball games.

The Illinois State Capitol is also closed until March 24, and many Illinois colleges are extending spring break and/or moving classes online.

Nationwide, there have been 38 coronavirus deaths. There have not been any deaths in Illinois.

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

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Several major events in Illinois were canceled due to ongoing coronavirus concerns.

Coronavirus Fears: Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade Postponed

A day after organizers said the Chicago's St. Patrick's Day parade was still on, they reversed their decision, postponing Saturday's parade amid coronavirus fears. The announcement comes after Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday said health officials were having conversations with organizers of large events, including the St. Patrick's Day Parade and the South Side Irish Parade.

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Who has been diagnosed with coronavirus in Illinois?

Total number of presumptive cases in Illinois: 32

• 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
  • Cook County
    • Man in his 70s; in good condition
    • Woman in her 60s; in good condition
    • Woman in her 40s; in good condition
    • Man in his 40s; in good condition
  • Chicago:
    • Man in his 40s; in good condition
    • Man in his 40s; in good condition
• Cases 20-25:
  • Lake County
    • Man in his 50s
  • Chicago and Cook County
    • Man in his 80s
    • Two men in their 70s
    • A woman in her 50s
    • A man in his 40s
• Case 26-27
  • A Chicago woman in her 40s
  • A Chicago child
• Case 28: A Kane County man in his 70s
• Case 29: A McHenry County man in his 60s
• Cases 30-32
  • Two Cook County women in their 70s
  • A Cook County man in his 50s

Nationwide numbers: 1,323 cases in the U.S. and 38 deaths (30 in Washington state, four in California, two in Florida, one in New Jersey and one in 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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