Health & Fitness

Illinois Coronavirus Update April 14: 868 Deaths

Gov. J.B. Pritzker: "We are, in fact, bending the curve."

ACROSS ILLINOIS — State health officials said 1,222 new coronavirus cases have been detected in Illinois since Monday and 74 more people have died across as the outbreak continues to spread. The state's total number of coronavirus cases is now more than 23,247.

Meanwhile, Gov. J.B. Pritzker addressed the steps being taken to speed up the unemployment filing process as more and more residents find themselves out of work as the stay-at-home order continues until at least April 30.

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

Find out what's happening in Across Illinoisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

In Chicago, an election judge has also died after becoming ill five days after presiding over the March 17 primary, which went ahead even as bars and restaurants were closed to dine-in customers and schools were closed statewide.

The 74 additional deaths brought Illinois' death toll to 868. The deaths include:

Find out what's happening in Across Illinoisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Cook County: 1 male 30s, 3 males 40s, 2 females 50s, 3 males 50s, 1 unknown 50s, 1 female 60s, 5 males 60s, 5 females 70s, 3 males 70s, 2 females 80s, 5 males 80s, 3 females 90s, 1 female 100+
  • DuPage County: 1 male 30s, 1 female 70s, 1 male 70s, 2 females 80s- Jackson County: 1 male 70s
  • Kankakee County: 1 male 80s
  • Lake County: 1 male 50s, 3 males 60s, 1 unknown 60s, 1 female 70s, 2 males 70s, 1 female 80s, 4 males 80s
  • McHenry County: 1 male 50s
  • Monroe County: 1 female 80s, 1 female 90s
  • Sangamon County: 1 female 70s
  • Tazewell County: 1 male 80s
  • Whiteside County: 1 female 90s
  • Will County; 1 male 40s, 1 female 60s, 1 male 60s, 1 female 70s, 2 males 70s, 4 males 80s, 2 females 90s, 1 female 100+

Eighty-eight of 102 Illinois counties now report coronavirus cases. Clay County reported its first case on Tuesday.

According to Johns Hopkins University, nearly 593,000 Americans have been infected by the virus and 25,239 had died nationwide as of Tuesday afternoon.

Almost 3 million Americans have been tested for the coronavirus since the outbreak began. More than 95,000 Americans were hospitalized due to coronavirus, and more than 44,000 patients in the U.S. have recovered.

Globally, almost 2 million people have been infected and at least 125,196 have died, according to Johns Hopkins University. At least 470,747 people worldwide have recovered from coronavirus.

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

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.

'Temporary Morgue' For Will County Coronavirus Victims

The bodies of some who died from the new coronavirus are being kept inside the refrigerated semi trailer behind the Will County Morgue.

2 Smith Village Residents Die Of Coronavirus; 11 Test Positive

The Morgan Park neighborhood senior living facility has now tested all residents in its skilled nursing care wing.

Coronavirus: Medical Staff Offered Free Rooms At Deerfield Hotel

Embassy Suites Deerfield is offering free rooms for frontline medical staff through a partnership between Hilton and American Express.

Palatine Mom On Coronavirus: 'I Couldn't Breathe'

Natalie Dicosola, a mother of three from Palatine, continues to recover from the coronavirus after testing positive in mid-March.

Period To Claim Illinois Lottery Prizes Extended During Pandemic

Illinois Lottery players have until June 30 to claim prizes for 2019 tickets, including an unclaimed winning $2 million ticket in Joliet.

Child Sex Offender 2nd Jail Detainee To Die Of Coronavirus

A convicted child sex predator became the second detainee to die of coronavirus at Cook County Jail, sheriff's officials said.

Pritzker Suggests Canceling Large Summer Events Over Coronavirus

Despite "some evidence that we may be moving toward a flatter curve," the governor said he could not imagine large events without a vaccine.

Coronavirus In IL: How And What To Donate To Area Hospitals

A live guide hospitals and health centers across the Chicago area, what they're in need of, and how to donate.

Keeping Faith Amid Coronavirus: Churches Adapt Ahead Of Easter

This Easter will be different, but adapting to change, Orland Park Pastor Jon Fogel says, is what churches have been doing for centuries.

Coronavirus Samples Stolen From Lab Tech's Car At Gas Station

The lab employee's car was left unlocked and running while she was inside a gas station when two men got in and drove off, police said.

78 Confirmed Or Suspected Cases Of Coronavirus At Silver Cross

54 patients have tested positive, while 24 patients are considered persons under investigation, the hospital said.

Over 200,000 New Illinois Unemployment Claims In Single Week

Illinois had a second record-breaking week of unemployment, while the number of new claims dipped nationwide, the U.S Labor Department said.

Illinois Still Short Of Coronavirus Testing Goal, Pritzker Admits

The state failed to meet its 10,000-test-a-day goal after new machines were unable to produce valid results, the governor said.

3 Lake County Hospital ICUs Reach Capacity Coronavirus Patients

Intensive care units in the northeast suburban region have the fewest beds available anywhere in the state, the governor's office said.

Coronavirus Won't Lead To City Worker Layoffs, Draconian Cuts

Mayor Lightfoot says Chicago is "not going to compromise our long term future and our position" due to coronavirus crisis.

Coronavirus In IL: Nursing Homes Struggle To Control Infections

Amid the coronavirus crisis, analysis shows nearly two-thirds of U.S. nursing homes have been cited for infection control issues since 2016.

99-Year-Old Springfield Woman Beats The Coronavirus: ABC 20

The woman, who turns 100 in September, spent two rough weeks in the hospital, but she is now home with her family, according to the report.

Search For Coronavirus Cases In Your Neighborhood By Zip Code

The Illinois Department of Public Health has put together an interactive map to help residents stay up to date on cases of coronavirus.

Chicago Sets Curfew On Liquor Sales Amid Coronavirus Crisis

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot sets 9 p.m. curfew on liquor sales during new coronavirus stay-at-home order.

John Prine, Who Chronicled The Lives Of The Everyman, Dies At 73

Singer-songwriter John Prine, who got his start in Chicago in the 1970s, died of complications of the coronavirus illness.

Chicago Shootings Continue Despite Coronavirus Stay-Home Order

Mayor Lori Lightfoot called on Chicagoans who might know the identity of "cowardly" shooters to speak up during the public health crisis.

73 Coronavirus Deaths In One Day In Illinois, 821 On Ventilators

Gov. Pritzker announced 3,680 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized, as the state recorded its highest single-day coronavirus death toll yet.

It's Nice Out, But Don't Stop Social Distancing, Officials Say

Will Chicago area residents continue to social distance as temperatures rise? Health officials urge them to do so to stop the coronavirus.

City's Coronavirus Death Count Differs From County's

Cook County Medical Examiner's Office data shows a higher number of Evanston residents have died from COVID-19 than reported by the city.

Homewood Disposal: Don't Recycle If You Have Coronavirus

Households infected with the coronavirus should bag all recyclable material and place it in the trash/refuse cart.

Chicago Shelter Runs Out Of Adoptable Dogs For The First Time

Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) had no adoptable dogs over the weekend for

Coronavirus by the numbers:

Illinois:

  • Total number of coronavirus cases: 23,247
  • People tested: 110,616
  • Deaths: 868
  • Recovered: No data available

Nationwide:

  • Total number of coronavirus cases: 598,670
  • Deaths: 25,239
  • Hospitalized: 95,624
  • Recovered: 44,364

Global:

  • Total number of coronavirus cases: 1,978,769
  • Deaths: 125,196
  • Recovered: 470,747

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.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.