Illinois Coronavirus Update June 25: 139,434 Cases, 6,810 Deaths

ILLINOIS — State health officials announced 894 new cases of the coronavirus on Thursday and 41 additional deaths from COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the virus. The statewide totals now stand at 139,434 confirmed infections and 6,810 deaths, not counting another 1,000 probable cases and an additional 204 probable deaths.

The latest deaths include:

• Cook County: 2 males 30s, 1 female 50s, 3 females 60s, 2 males 60s, 2 females 70s, 3 males 70s, 4 females 80s, 3 males 80s, 1 female 90s, 1 male 90s, 1 female 100+
• DuPage County: 1 male 70s, 1 female 80s, 2 male 80s, 1 male 90s
• Kane County: 1 male 50s, 1 male 70s
• Lake County: 1 male 60s, 1 male 80s
• LaSalle County: 1 male 70s
• McHenry County: 1 male 70s, 1 male 80s
• Monroe County: 1 female 80s
• St. Clair County: 1 male 40s, 1 male 80s
• Will County: 2 females 80s
• Winnebago County: 1 male 80s

Over the past 24 hours, labs in Illinois have processed 31,686 coronavirus tests, for a total of more than 1.4 million since the pandemic began. The state's rolling, seven-day positivity rate has increased to 3 percent after holding steady at 2 percent for more than a week. According to Johns Hopkins University, a positivity rate of less than 12 percent is a good measure of whether enough tests are being conducted in a given state.

The United States as a whole has tested more than 28.5 million people for the coronavirus as of Thursday. The country now has more than 2.4 million confirmed coronavirus infections, according to Johns Hopkins University, and at least 122,320 Americans have died from COVID-19.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker argues that "Illinois has done better than almost every other highly populated state" in controlling the coronavirus, and both new cases and fatalities are trending downward across the state, but federal officials say they are preparing for a possible second wave of infections in the fall. Nationally, new cases are at an all-time high after falling steadily for weeks, largely driven by spikes in states that have flaunted CDC guidance on mask-wearing and social distancing.

The CDC last month projected between 124,000 and 140,000 total deaths by July 4. The country is rapidly approaching that rage, and the agency's latest model now predicts up to 150,000 deaths by July 18.

Globally, more than 9.5 million people have been infected and 484,356 are known to have died.

Illinois Coronavirus Helpline:

Illinois officials say a state helpline has been set up to provide emotional support and quick answers to questions about the coronavirus pandemic. Illinoisans can test "TALK" to 55-2020 (or "HABLAR" for Spanish), and within 24 hours they will receive a call from a counselor. Residents can also text keywords like "UNEMPLOYMENT," "FOOD," or "SHELTER," to the same number to receive additional information about those topics.

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

Phase 4 Is Almost Here As Pritzker Issues Warning

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the state will reopen more on Friday but he'll be quick to move a region back if "we see a surge."

Anti-Abortion Group Sues Pritzker Over Gathering Restrictions

Illinois Right to Life filed a federal lawsuit against Gov. J.B. Pritzker claiming they haven't been exempted from gathering limits.

Illinois Property Owners Sue Over Pritzker's Pause On Evictions

As of now, evictions are on hold across the state until July due to COVID-19.

School Reopening Guidelines 'Too Vague,' Education Groups Say

Chicago Teachers Union President Jesse Sharkey said the state's guidelines are "too general and too vague to serve as a useful roadmap."

Schools To Reopen In Fall With Masks, Coronavirus Rules: Pritzker

In the event of a second wave of coronavirus or a reversal of statewide rules, schools could revert to e-learning and online classes.

Counterfeit COVID-19 Masks Destined For Buffalo Grove Seized

The 240 3M masks were being shipped to a Buffalo Grove residence when discovered at O'Hare International Airport.

Doctor Who Survived Coronavirus Can't Donate Plasma Because He's Gay

He was once a COVID-19 patient himself and has since recovered. But when he tried to donate his plasma to help save others, he couldn't.

Marcus Debuts First Parking Lot Theater In IL

Marcus' Elgin location will begin showing movies on a 48-foot screen attached to the side of its building on Friday.

Over 46,000 Unemployment Claims Filed In Illinois For Week Of June 15

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) will be releasing a final number later Thursday.

Creator Of Warrior Face Shield Project Inspires: Deerfield Hero

Dan Kim, director of instructional technology at Deerfield High School, creates and donates face shields during COVID-19 pandemic.

Restaurant To Require Coronavirus Contact Tracing Forms

You'll have to fill out some paperwork before you sit down to eat at an acclaimed Chicago restaurant.

Panera Employee Gets Coronavirus, Bakery Reopens Next Day

The restaurant where the employee works was cleaned overnight, company officials said, and reopened at its usual time Wednesday morning.

Tivoli Theatre Won't Reopen Friday After all

"We look forward to reopening when capacities are able to increase," Classic Cinemas wrote in a Facebook post.

Kane County Animal Control To Offer Drive-Thru Rabies Vaccines

The county will host its annual rabies vaccination clinic from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday in Geneva.

Coronavirus by the numbers:

Illinois:

• Total number of coronavirus cases: 139,434
• Deaths: 6,810
• People tested: 1,460,527
• Recovered: No data available

Nationwide:

• Total number of coronavirus cases: 2,404,781
• Deaths: 122,230
• People tested: 28,567,355
• Recovered: 660,469

Global:

• Total number of coronavirus cases: 9,504,233
• Deaths: 484,356
• People tested: No data available
• Recovered: 4,786,039

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.