Illinois Coronavirus Update April 18: 29,160 Cases; 1,259 Deaths

ILLINOIS — In an update Saturday afternoon, state health officials said 1,585 more people have tested positive for the new coronavirus in Illinois, the largest number of new cases identified in a single day thus far. A total of 125 more people have died, a decrease from the previous day, which was Illinois' deadliest day of the pandemic to date.

As of Saturday, the state's coronavirus case count stood at 29,160, with 1,259 deaths attributable to COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus, according to Johns Hopkins University of Medicine. Nationally, more than 706,820 Americans have caught the virus, and over 34,000 have died, as of Saturday morning.

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The most recent Illinois deaths include:

• Boone County: 1 female 60s
• Cook County: 2 females 40s, 1 male 40s, 2 males 50s, 2 females 60s, 5 males 60s, 4 females 70s, 4 males 70s, 5 females 80s, 5 males 80s, 3 females 90s, 4 males 90s
• DuPage County: 1 male 60s, 2 males 70s, 1 female 80s, 3 males 80s, 2 females 90s
• Kane County: 1 male 60s, 1 male 90s, 1 male 100+
• Lake County: 1 male 90s
• Macon County: 1 female 80s, 1 female 90s
• Madison County: 1 female 60s, 1 male 60s
• Monroe County: 1 female 80s
• Randolph County: 1 male 80s
• St. Clair County 1 unknown 60s, 1 female 70s, 1 male 80s
• Will County: 2 males 80s

The governor has ordered flags across the state to fly at half-staff in remembrance of those who have died.

The state is working to increase its testing capacity but has thus far failed to meet its 10,000-test-a-day goal. The lack of testing is even more pronounced in the state's African American communities. So far, 137,404 people have been tested for the virus in Illinois, 7,574 more than the previous day. On Thursday, the state tested just 5,660 people. Health experts say federal and state governments' failure to test enough people is the biggest barrier to reopening the country.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Thursday said he will work in "close coordination" with six other Midwestern governors, including Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Tony Evers of Wisconsin, Mike DeWine of Ohio, Tim Waltz of Minnesota, Eric Holcomb of Indiana and Andy Beshear of Kentucky, "to reopen our economies in a way that prioritizes our workers' health."

Pritzker said Illinois may face a $7.4 billion budget deficit due to the "massive economic disruption" caused by the pandemic.

"We will need to make extraordinarily difficult decisions on top of the difficult decisions we've already made, but together with the state legislature we will make them," the governor added.

With a record number of unemployment claims, many Illinoisans are counting on a stimulus payment from the federal government to weather those "difficult decisions." Some payments have already showed up in bank accounts, but others have been sent to the wrong bank account or otherwise gone missing. You can try to check your payment status online here.

Ninety-two of 102 Illinois counties now report coronavirus cases. Henderson and Wayne counties reported their first cases on Friday.

More than 3.4 million Americans have been tested for the coronavirus since the outbreak began, and 109,494 have been hospitalized due to the virus. More than 57,123 patients in the U.S. have recovered.

Globally, more than 2.2 million people have been infected and at least 150,948 have died, according to Johns Hopkins University. More than half a million people worldwide have recovered from the coronavirus.

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

IL Repeats Highest 24-Hour Coronavirus Death Toll as 125 Die

Illinois Department of Health Director Ngozi Ezike called the numbers "sobering."

Closing Schools 'Not A Decision That Was Made Lightly:' Pritzker

Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced the cancellation of in-person schooling through the end of the academic year due to coronavirus.

IL Sees Deadliest Day Of Coronavirus Crisis As 125 Die

The state's death toll from coronavirus is now at 1,072

Symphony Of Joliet Coronavirus 'Mess': Mayor Seeks State Probe

Joliet Mayor Bob O'Dekirk has urged Governor J.B. Pritzker to investigate the deadly coronavirus outbreak at Symphony of Joliet.

Third Chicago Police Officer Dies From Coronavirus

Officials announce a third Chicago police officer has died from conditions related to the new coronavirus.

Illinois Credit Rating Downgraded Amid Coronavirus

All three major credit ratings agencies have revised the state's outlook to negative. They all rate the state a notch above junk status.

Secret Flight From China Brings Covid-19 Supplies To Illinois

CBS 2's Chris Tye was there and has the details.

IL Residents: Check Your Stimulus Payment Status

Are you one of the 80 million Americans who got their stimulus payment? If not, here's how to track the status of your money.

Who's Drinking While Working From Home In Illinois

A new survey shows the percentage of Americans drinking while working from home or self-isolating during the new coronavirus outbreak.

R. Kelly Wants Out Of Jail As Inmates Test Positive For Coronavirus

The motion filed with U.S. District Judge Ann Donelly says six inmates and seven staff at the federal lockup have the coronavirus.

Don't Buy Gov's Coronavirus Test Promises Until Swab Goes Up Nose

KONKOL COLUMN: Gov. Pritzker talks like a boss who has an answer for everything except why he promised testing the state couldn't deliver.

Reopening Illinois: Pritzker Teams Up With Midwest Governors

IL's coronavirus stay-at-home order is in place until at least April 30, but the governor is teamed up to work on a plan for reopening.

Senior Star Facility In Romeoville Reports 4 Coronavirus Deaths

The newly-reported deaths in Romeoville come only a day after 22 coronavirus-related deaths were reported at a Joliet nursing home.

Coronavirus Could Lead To $7.4 Billion Deficit In Illinois

"This is a public health crisis – but it is accompanied by massive economic disruption that's unprecedented in modern history."

Pritzker Breaks Coronavirus Test Promise To Black Community

"How can the governor say we're bending the curve when they're not testing an entire segment of the population?" Rep. LaShawn Ford said.

Woman Coughed, Threatened To Give Cops Coronavirus: Police

Cynthia G. Ventrella, 58, is facing multiple charges, including aggravated assault to a peace officer.

'We're On Life Support:' Coronavirus Crisis Squeezes IL Breweries

Breweries across the state report varying levels of economic distress as the coronavirus crisis continues.

Coronavirus: National Guard Helping IL Residents Amid Pandemic

About 650 troops are in Illinois helping residents in the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Defense.

Wrigley Field Gets Ready To Stock Local Food Pantry

Instead of Vienna Beef hot dogs and ice cold Buds, the Wrigley concourses will soon be fully stocked with food for the Lakeview Pantry.

6 With Same Nursing Home Address Die Of Coronavirus

Six elderly people who share the same address at Bridgeview Health Care Center have died of coronavirus, the medical examiner reports.

Second Chicago Firefighter Dies From Coronavirus Complications

Midway Airport firefighter Edward Singleton, 55, died from complications from the new coronavirus.

Coronavirus: Data Shows Chicago Is 'Flattening The Curve'

Mayor Lori Lightfoot says new data suggests staying home is working to slow the spread of the coronavirus in Chicago.

Coronavirus: 'We Are Bending The Curve,' Pritzker Says

But "this curve may not flatten, and it may go up again if we don't adhere to the stay-at-home order," the Illinois governor said.

Pritzker: 513,000 Unemployment Claims In March Alone

Families are hurting "at a scale many of us haven't seen in our lifetimes," the governor said.

'It's OK To Feel': Pritzker Announces Coronavirus Support Lines

"Holding the emotional ramifications of it inside will only be harder on you," Pritzker said, announcing a new emotional support line.

Coronavirus: Skokie Residents Must Wear Face Coverings In Public

Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen signed an emergency directive requiring the wearing of face coverings when in public.

Coronavirus by the numbers:

Illinois:

• Total number of coronavirus cases: 29,160
• Deaths: 1,259
• People tested: 137,404
• Hospitalized: No data available
• Recovered: No data available

Nationwide:

• Total number of coronavirus cases: 683,786
• Deaths: 34,575
• People tested: 3,423,034
• Hospitalized: 109,494
• Recovered: 57,123

Global:

• Total number of coronavirus cases: 2,216,228
• Deaths: 150,948
• People tested: No data available
• Hospitalized: No data available
• Recovered: 564,525

Sources: Johns Hopkins University and IDPH

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:

• CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.
  CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.
• Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
• The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.
• Face mask instructions - sew- and no-sew masks

To donate personal protective equipment (PPE), email PPE.donations@illinois.gov. For health questions about COVID-19, call the state coronavirus hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.