Coronavirus In Illinois: What You Need To Know For March 14

ILLINOIS — As the nationwide tally of coronavirus cases hit more than 2,500, Gov. J.B. Pritzker ordered the shutdown of all Illinois schools through at least March 30, with many districts saying they will provide instruction through e-learning.

Illinois' coronavirus case count jumped from 32 confirmed on Thursday to 66 by Saturday night, with 14 additional cases on Friday and 20 new cases Saturday.

The most recent cases include a woman from Florida who was visiting Springfield has been hospitalized at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield where she tested positive for coronavirus and is "critically ill," according to the Illinois Department of Health, and a second person who tested positive in Sangamon County is recovering at home.

The illness has been seen in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and downstate in St. Clair, Woodford and Sangamon counties. The youngest Illinois patient is a child; the oldest are in their 80s.

On Saturday, Pritzker said a woman in her 60s at a long-term-care facility in DuPage County has tested positive for coronavirus.

All Illinois toll booths also are closed, and drivers will need to pay online or use an I-PASS to pay their tolls.

The governor previously urged residents to "think critically" before attending large events. Tours and events at the governor's mansion in Springfield have been canceled as of Friday.

Also on Friday, the state gaming board ordered that all 10 of the state's casinos be closed for 14 days starting on Monday, March 16.

On March 17 and 18, the Illinois Supreme Court will close its gallery and livestream oral arguments to be “consistent with the CDC’s directives to avoid large gatherings and practice ‘social distancing,’” according to a news release.

Don't miss updates about precautions in the Chicago area as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

Nationwide, there have been 47 coronavirus deaths. There have not been any deaths in Illinois.

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

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: No Chicago Games Until May, No Events Over 250 People

Pritzker pushed for the suspension of all major sporting events in Chicago, but said schools are not closing and the election will happen.

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.

Biden Cancels Illinois Event Over Coronavirus

The former vice president and presidential candidate was scheduled to be in Illinois on Friday.

Coronavirus In IL: Here Are All The Cancellations, Closures

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

State, national coronavirus numbers

Illinois:

• Total number of presumptive coronavirus cases (as of March 14): 64
• Negative tests: 316
• Persons under investigation (PUI) with tests pending: 82
• Deaths: 0

Nationwide

• Total number of coronavirus cases: 2,572
• Deaths: 51 deaths (37 in Washington state, five in California, three in Florida, and one each in Georgia, Kansas, New Jersey, Colorado 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).

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