Illinois Coronavirus Update April 22: 35,108 Cases; 1,565 Deaths

ILLINOIS — State health officials announced 2,049 new cases of the coronavirus on Wednesday and 98 additional deaths, bringing the new total to 35,108 people who have tested positive for the virus and 1,565 who have died from it statewide.

Nationally, more than 825,316 Americans have caught the virus, and more than 45,950 have died from it, as of Wednesday afternoon.

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

The most recent Illinois deaths include:

• Cook County: 1 female 30s, 1 male 30s, 3 males 40s, 2 females 50s, 3 males 50s, 5 females 60s, 6 males 60s, 7 females 70s, 8 males 70s, 1 unknown 70s, 5 females 80s, 16 males 80s, 8 females 90s, 3 males 90s
• DuPage County: 1 female 70s, 1 female 80s, 2 male 80s, 2 females 90s
• Jefferson County: 1 male 60s
• Kane County: 2 males 50s, 1 female 70s, 1 male 80s
• Kankakee County: 1 female 90s
• Kendall County: 1 female 60s
• Lake County: 1 male 60s, 1 male 90s
• Macon County: 1 female 60s
• Madison County: 2 males 70s, 1 male 80s
• McHenry County: 1 female 70s, 1 male 80s
• Monroe County: 1 male 80s
• Rock Island County: 1 male 70s
• St. Clair County: 1 male 80s
• Will County: 1 male 50s, 1 male 60s, 1 male 70s, 1 female 80s, 1 male 90s

Despite earlier projections that coronavirus cases could peak in mid-April in Illinois, Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday told the Washington Post that the virus is now expected to peak in mid-May.

According to the Institute for Health Metrics, which was behind one of the nation's leading coronavirus models, Illinois may begin to relax its social distancing guidelines on May 19, when infections will drop below one per million, according to the group's estimates — but only if the state can expand its testing and contact tracing capabilities, isolate new infections and continue to limit the size of social gatherings.

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, 164,346 people have been tested for the virus in Illinois, 9,349 more than Tuesday. This marks the first time the state has come close to its testing goal. Health experts say federal and state governments' failure to test enough people is the biggest barrier to reopening the country.

The governor last week 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."

In an interview the Washington Post earlier this week, the governor noted that Illinois was the second state after California to issue a stay-at-home order.

"The result is we've had many fewer deaths than anticipated, our hospitalization rate is somewhat stable, climbing a little bit but somewhat stabilizing — and, of course, our ventilator needs have gone down," Pritzker said. "Real progress has been made, and while we never know the exact impacts of the efforts all of you have made to protect your communities, all of the projections indicate that you have saved thousands of lives."

Ninety-six of 102 Illinois counties now report coronavirus cases.

More than 4.1 million Americans have been tested for the coronavirus since the outbreak began, and 120,932 have been hospitalized due to the virus, according to Johns Hopkins University. More than 77,018 people in the U.S. have recovered.

Globally, more than 2.6 million people have been infected and at least 182,004 have died, according to Johns Hopkins University. More than 706,636 people worldwide have recovered from the coronavirus.

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

Drive-Up Coronavirus Testing Sites Add As IL Nears 10K Daily

Anyone with coronavirus symptoms can get a test even without a doctor's order.

Coronavirus Won't Peak Until Mid-May: Pritzker

The stay-at-home order has pushed the peak of the virus by at least a month, even as another 119 Illinois residents have died.

Gov. Pritzker Says Social Distancing 'Saved Thousands Of Lives'

The governor also said he's considering possibly taking a regional approach to reopening the state's economy.

Here's When Illinois May Relax Social Distancing: Study

Social distancing is working to curb the spread of the coronavirus, but when can we stop?

Fourth Coronavirus Death Reported At Three Crowns Park

The Evanston retirement home's director said he plans to test all staffers through a new state program — six have tested positive so far.

Abbott Labs Warns Of Possible False Negative In Coronavirus Tests

CBS Chicago reported that Abbott Labs in Lake County is warning of possible false negatives from rapid coronavirus tests due to this reason.

Mayor Scolds Aldermen For 'Selfish' Delay Amid Pandemic

After aldermen block vote on mayor's emergency purchasing powers during pandemic, Lightfoot calls move a "selfish" delay by "grandstanders."

Pritzker 'Optimism' About Coronavirus Testing Was Never Realistic

KONKOL COLUMN: The trouble with Gov. Pritzker's "optimism" his plan would quickly boost coronavirus testing is that it was never realistic.

Illinois Coronavirus: 'Prevented Worst-Case Scenarios' So Far

Measures to curb the spread of coronavirus are seeing "real progress," but it's too soon to lift them, Pritzker said.

Protesters Demand Pritzker 'Open Illinois' Despite Coronavirus

Part of a nationwide "Operation Gridlock movement," the group demanded an end to Illinois' stay-at-home order.

"Everybody Is Equal:" Grocery Store Workers Amid Coronavirus

Two Bolingbrook grocery store workers - and brothers - speak to their experiences as essential workers amid the coronavirus crisis.

Tribune Publishing To Furlough Workers Amid Coronavirus Shutdown

Three-week furloughs for non-union positions that have not already taken pay cuts will take place through July, according to the firm's CEO.

Pregnant Lake County Jail Inmate Tests Positive For Coronavirus

The woman has been held in the jail's medical unit in lieu of the $25,000 cash portion of her bond, according to the sheriff's office.

Coronavirus Outbreaks Hit Chicago Area Nursing Homes, 286 Deaths

The governor is "frustrated" with the spread of the coronavirus in nursing homes, which have seen more than a fifth of Illinois' deaths.

McDonald's Offers Free 'Thank You Meals' To First Responders

The offer, which includes health care workers, runs April 22 to May 5 and is limited to one per customer per day.

Northwestern Freezes Hiring, Salaries During Coronavirus Pandemic

Northwestern University President Morton Shapiro said a "return to on-campus instruction in the summer or fall is not guaranteed."

Face Coverings Required In Evanston To Stem Spread Of Coronavirus

Health and Human Services Director Ike Ogbo ordered shoppers and employees at essential businesses to cover their faces or face fines.

Face Coverings Could Be Required In Tinley Park Beginning Friday

The village board of trustees is expected to vote on a resolution requiring face coverings in public as a way to slow the coronavirus.

Coronavirus: Pritzker Explains Nursing Home Data Discrepancies

Those who show coronavirus symptoms at a facility where there is a confirmed case are also counted as confirmed cases, Pritzker said Monday.

Coronavirus: Emergency Order Extended In Buffalo Grove

An emergency order for the village of Buffalo Grove was extended Monday and amended to ensure village board business continues.

81 Coronavirus Cases, 11 Deaths At Carol Stream Facility: IDPH

Cases have been confirmed at the facility's skilled nursing and assisted living units.

Firefighters Who Died From Coronavirus Get Full Benefits, Honors

Under union pressure fire Commissioner Richard Ford II declares two firefighters who died from complications related to the new coronavirus,

Coronavirus Racial Equity Effort Targets 3 Black Neighborhoods

City Hall racial equity task force targets Austin, Auburn Gresham and South Shore in battle against coronavirus in black

Argus Brewery In Pullman Closes As Coronavirus Kills Keg Sales

Argus Brewery owner Bob Jensen closed up shop and plans to put the craft brewery up for sale after an award-winning, 10-year run in Pullman.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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: 35,108
• Deaths: 1,565
• People tested: 164,346
• Hospitalized: No data available
• Recovered: No data available

Nationwide:

• Total number of coronavirus cases: 835,316
• Deaths: 45,950
• People tested: 4,171,896
• Hospitalized: 120,932
• Recovered: 77,018

Global:

• Total number of coronavirus cases: 2,614,040
• Deaths: 182,004
• People tested: No data available
• Hospitalized: No data available
• Recovered: 706,636

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.