Illinois Coronavirus Update April 8: 13,549 Cases; 380 Deaths

ILLINOIS — Illinois added 1,287 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, and 73 more people have died. As of 2:30 p.m., the state’s coronavirus case count stood at 13,549, with 380 deaths attributable to COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Nationally, more than 383,256 Americans have the virus and 12,000 have died.

The new deaths in Illinois include:

• Champaign County: 1 man in his 80s

• Christian County: 1 woman in her 80s

• Cook County: 1 woman in her 30s, 2 men in their 30s, 3 women in their 40s, 2 men in their 40s, 1 woman in her 50s, 2 men in their 50s, 2 women in their 60s, 4 men in their 60s, 4 women in their 70s, 5 men in their 70s, 8 women in their 80s, 5 men in their 80s, 1 man in his 90s, and 1 person of unknown age and gender

• DuPage County: 1 man in his 40s, 1 woman in her 80s, 2 men in their 80s

• Ford County: 1 man in his 80s

• Kane County: 1 man in his 70s, 1 man in his 80s, 1 woman in her 90s

• Kankakee County: 1 woman in her 60s

• Lake County: 1 woman in her 40s, 1 man in his 50s, 1 woman in her 70s, 1 man in his 70s, 1 woman in her 90s

• Madison County: 1 woman in her 80s

• McHenry County: 1 woman in her 70s

• Monroe County: 1 man in his 80s

• Tazewell County: 1 man in his 80s

• Will County: 1 woman in her 50s, 2 women in their 60s, 1 man in his 60s, 3 women in their 70s, 1 woman in her 80s, 2 men in their 80s

• Winnebago County: 2 men in their 80s

The state is working to increase its testing capacity. So far, 68,732 people have been tested for the virus in Illinois, 5,790 more than Monday. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to older than 100 years.

Seventy-seven Illinois counties report cases of the virus. Coles, Lawrence, Richland, and Shelby counties reported their first cases Tuesday, state health officials said, urging residents to do what they can to keep those numbers from climbing any higher.

“Please stay home. I assure you if people congregate tomorrow, we will set the state back in our fight against COVID-19,” Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said. “You don’t want to be the one who spreads this virus to a health care worker.”

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Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Monday afternoon that the state had only received a fraction of the masks, gloves and gowns that his office had requested from the federal government.

Officials say the virus is hitting the state’s African American community especially hard. For instance, in Chicago, where African Americans make up fewer than 30 percent of the population, they account for more than 70 percent of coronavirus deaths.

At 138,836 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 1.4 million people have been infected and at least 80,759 have died, according to Johns Hopkins University.

(Johns Hopkins Center for Systems Science and Engineering)

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

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.

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

NorthShore Detects Over 2,000 Cases Of Coronavirus In Area

The president of Highland Park Hospital said NorthShore University HealthSystem has turned Glenbrook Hospital “our COVID-19 hospital.”

Romeoville, Bedford Park Workers Walk Out Of Job Over Coronavirus

Workers at two different industries walked off their job sites Monday morning to protest their employers’ coronavirus responses.

Coronavirus: La Grange Hospital Ends Secrecy On Number Of Cases

Elmhurst Hospital released number of coronavirus patients, while La Grange’s initially kept that information secret.

Coronavirus Antibody Testing Offered At Lab In Orland Park

ARCpoint Labs of Orland Park has opened their antibody testing for the new coronavirus to the public.

Over 70 Percent Of City Coronavirus Deaths Are African Americans

As of Saturday, 61 of the 86 city residents confirmed to have have died from the new coronavirus were African American, city officials say.

Joliet Fire Department Has 1st Coronavirus Case

A member of the Joliet Fire Department is staying home from work after being diagnosed with the new coronavirus.

Kane Co. Coroner Prepares For Possible ‘Tsunami’ Of Deaths

As of Monday afternoon, 20 have died due to coronavirus in Kane County, coroner Rob Russell reported.

Over 1,000 New Coronavirus Cases Confirmed, 33 Deaths In Illinois

Pritzker said his staff is “scouring the globe” to find protective equipment for workers on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19.

County-By-County Look At Coronavirus Cases: UPDATE

The Chicago area has seen a spike in COVID-19 cases in the past week. Find out how many cases are in your county.

New Lenox Women Team Up To Spread Birthday Cheer Amid Pandemic

Two women have teamed up to donate balloon decor pieces to 50 families in New Lenox during the coronavirus pandemic.

Palatine YMCA Reopens Daycare For Healthcare Workers

Frontline healthcare workers and first responders will be able to utilize the child care.

Here’s How Well Illinois Is Complying With Stay-At-Home Order

Cellphone tracking data shows how Illinois is doing compared to the nation as a whole.

Where Are Chicagoans Violating Coronavirus Stay-At-Home Warnings?

Chicago police issued most stay-at-home warnings in police districts on the West Side and along the North lakefront.

Joliet Business Guide: Here’s What’s Open And Closed In Town

We asked Joliet’s businesses to update their status and created a handy guide from their responses.

Sheriff’s Deputy, Jail Nurse Each Have Coronavirus

Will County’s Sheriff says he continues to follow state and federal guidelines during the outbreak to keep local communities safe.

54 Coronavirus Patients At Elmhurst Hospital

Elmhurst Hospital is releasing the number, while Amita hospitals in La Grange and Hinsdale are keeping the figures secret.

Shelter Director Lives With Homeless During Coronavirus Crisis

“In a crisis like this we need to have staff onsite all the time,” Hesed House Executive Director Ryan Dowd said.

Report Shows 14,000 Layoffs In Illinois, Many Permanent

More than 8,000 layoffs were listed as permanent on the state’s March employment report while 5,500 are marked “temporary.”

Chicago Arts Editors Recommend Best Books For Self-Isolation

“In the age of social isolation, consider the challenge of tackling a famous doorstop.”

Murder-Suicide: Man Feared Coronavirus, Family Says

A man and woman in their 50s found dead Thursday have since tested negative for the virus, according to officials.

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.

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.

Messages of Love Left Chalked On Grandmother’s Driveway

Kids bridge social distancing barrier by co
vering their grandmother’s entire driveway with chalk art.

Coronavirus by the numbers:

Illinois:

Nationwide:

Global:

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 [email protected]. For health questions about COVID-19, call the state coronavirus hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email [email protected].

This article originally appeared on the Across Illinois Patch