Health & Fitness
Illinois Coronavirus Update April 4: 10,357 Cases, 243 Deaths
"I'd like to begin today with a simple plea. Please continue to stay home."
ILLINOIS — The number of coronavirus deaths in Illinois is now over 10,000, with an additional 33 deaths announced Saturday. The total includes 1,453 new cases.
The latest deaths include:
- Cook County: 1 male 20s, 1 male 30s, 1 female 40s, 2 males 40s, 1 male 50s, 1 female 60s, 1 male 60s, 3 females 70s, 6 males 70s, 2 females 80s, 2 males 80s, 1 female 90s, 1 male 90s
- DuPage County: 1 male 70s, 1 female 100+
- Jackson County: 1 female 90s
- Kane County: 1 female 60s, 1 male 60s, 1 female 70s
- Kankakee County: 1 male 70s
- Lake County: 1 female 80s
- Will County: 1 male 50s, 1 female 60s
As of Saturday afternoon, there were a total of 10,357 cases and 243 deaths in Illinois, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Find out what's happening in Across Illinoisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Jasper, Lee, Mason, and Pike counties are now reporting cases. Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 10,357 cases, including 243 deaths, in 68 counties in Illinois. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to older than 100 years.
At 113,806 confirmed cases, New York is by far the worst coronavirus hot spot in the country, followed by New Jersey, Michigan, California, Louisiana, Florida, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Illinois. Globally, more than a million people have been infected and at least 64,084 have died, according to Johns Hopkins.
Find out what's happening in Across Illinoisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Don't miss updates about precautions in the Chicago area as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.
Here's what's happening with coronavirus in Illinois:
Illinois Surpasses 10K Cases Of Coronavirus, 243 Deaths
State officials called the numbers, which include the loss of 243 "precious lives" "sobering" and pleaded with residents to stay home.
After 2 Coronavirus Deaths, Evergreen Park Walmart On Watch
Mayor suspends and reinstates liquor license at Evergreen Park store where two employees died of COVID-19 after meeting with Walmart.
St. Joe's Nurses Told To Reuse Masks Until Falling Apart: Email
"This mask should be re-used until it has lost its integrity," chief nursing officer Lynn Watson wrote in an email to staff.
Hospitals and funeral homes called about the need for facilities, coroner says.
All park district offices and park properties will be closed and all programs and events are canceled through May 1.
Thank You, Chicago, For Generosity, Compassion, Protective Gear
19th Ward Ald. Matt O'Shea teamed up with The Original Pancake House to raise $50,000 to support first responders, health care workers.
Temporary Joliet Hospitals? City IDs 3 Sites If Necessary
Joliet Mayor Bob O'Dekirk talked about the subject during Friday's news conference to discuss the new coronavirus outbreak in Joliet.
Pritzker Denounces 'Profound Failure,' Asks IL To Be 'All In'
The governor once again lashed out at the federal government, then announced a new statewide initiative.
Kids bridge social distancing barrier by covering their grandmother's entire driveway with chalk art.
Coronavirus: Married Couple Die Hours Apart
The couple, in their 80s, emigrated from the Ukraine decades ago.
NorthShore CEO Tests Positive For Coronavirus, Recovers: Report
J.P. Gallagher reportedly managed to prevent his family from becoming infected after being diagnosed with COVID-19 weeks ago.
Star Wars Day Canceled By Library
The annual summer event typically drew around 10,000 people.
Nearly 300,000 Illinoisans have filed for unemployment benefits since March 21. Nationwide, 6.6M filed for unemployment in the last week.
Adult-use cannabis sales in Illinois were up by more than $1 million in March compared to February, officials announced.
Veteran Police Officer City's First To Die Of Coronavirus
Officials confirmed the officer's death on Thursday morning.
Lemont Nursing Home Denial Contradicts Medical Examiner's Finding
On March 30, Franciscan Village posted a letter on their website titled, "The FACTS in Response to the Patch Article posted on 03/28/2020."
Animal Shelters Feel Pinch Amid Coronavirus Shutdown
More pets will likely need help as those struggling financially will not be able to care for them, animal shelter officials said.
Distillery Makes Hand Sanitizer To Fight Coronavirus
The Rockland Road distillery became the first in the nation to receive FDA approval to produce alcohol-based hand sanitizer last month.
These Lake County Jobs Are Available During Coronavirus Shutdown
Amid skyrocketing unemployment claims, these local businesses have immediate job openings.
The University of Illinois, in collaboration with Carle Health, is developing a prototype ventilator to address medical equipment shortages.
Coronavirus Cancels Cubs Cardinals Two-Game Series In London
After Opening Day was delayed last week, the league is preparing to play without fans or for the season to be scrapped altogether.
Coronavirus by the numbers:
Illinois:
- Total number of presumptive coronavirus cases: 10,357
- People tested: 53,581
- Deaths: 243
Nationwide:
- Total number of coronavirus cases: 300,915
- Deaths: 8,175
- Recovered: 14,459
Global:
- Total number of coronavirus cases: 1,187,798
- Deaths: 64,084
- Recovered: 246,886
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:
- 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).
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.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.