- Credibility:
CHICAGO — Illinois saw another 33 deaths from the coronavirus in the past 24 hours, a steep drop-off from the previous day that saw a record-high 125 deaths.
There have now been 1,290 deaths from the COVID-19 infection.
An additional 1,197 people tested positive for the virus in the past day, raising the overall number to 30,357. But the rise in cases was the lowest since April 6, which also saw 33 deaths.
“COVID-19 has dramatically altered all of our lives,” said Dr. Ngozi Ezike, head of the Illinois Department of Public Health. “It’s also stolen precious loved ones from us and even changed how we mourn for them. Though we can never go back to how we were [or bring back lost loved ones], we still must band together and employ the ongoing required sacrifices to end this pandemic. Let’s continue to be all in, Illinois.”
Gov. JB Pritzker, reacting to stay at home protests in parts of the country, including a small rally Sunday in the Loop, asked people to be patient.
“I want people to get back to work. I want people to go back to school. And I want us to have a great summer,” he said. “And so I’m looking for all the best ways to make that happen. But we’re in the middle of an emergency, a pandemic. It’s like nothing we’ve ever seen.
“We’re listening to the experts and the scientists. … The fact is we have got to be very careful as we make decisions about change in the stay at home order to keep people safe. I’m looking at all of the ways in which we can open things up and keep people safe.”
Pritzker suggested again he could require people to wear masks in public, among other measures meant to keep down the spread of coronavirus as Illinois eases up on other restrictions.
What is truly needed is rapid testing and regular testing until a treatment and vaccine are developed, Pritzker said. That’s particularly needed now that it’s become clear people can spread coronavirus to others even while not showing symptoms.
“You want to know that people who are coming to work with you are not COVID-19 positive,” Pritzker said.
The governor said his administration is working with experts and business leaders to determine how they can protect workers and customers beyond telling them to stay 6 feet apart or wear a mask.
Symptoms
Coronavirus can be deadly, but the vast majority of cases have been mild. Those most at risk from the virus are people who are elderly or who have underlying health conditions.
Symptoms of coronavirus can appear two to 14 days after a person has been exposed to the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control. People with no symptoms may have the virus and spread it to others.
The virus spreads between people through coughing and sneezing, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
The most common symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
People have also experienced body aches, nasal congestion, runny nose and sore throat, according to Harvard Medical School.
If you or someone else has difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, become confused, cannot be roused or develop a bluish face or lips, get immediate medical attention, according to the CDC.
How To Protect Yourself
Here’s what you can actually do to prevent getting ill:
- The CDC and other officials have said people should wash their hands often, including before, during and after eating; after using the bathroom; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
The CDC has a guide here for how to properly wash your hands. Remember: Wash with soap and water, scrubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds. - If you can’t wash your hands with soap and water, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
- Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose and mouth, with unwashed hands.
- Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces you touch frequently, like cellphones and light switches. Here are tips from the CDC.
- Stay home when you’re sick and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- If you have to sneeze or cough with a tissue, throw it out immediately after using it, according to the CDC.
What To Do If You Think You’re Sick
Even if you’re not showing symptoms, the Chicago Department of Public Health recommends people coming from high-risk countries (here’s a CDC list) self-quarantine for 14 days after returning home.
If you do have symptoms of coronavirus, contact your primary doctor or a health care facility before going in. Explain your symptoms and tell them if you’ve come into close contact with anyone with coronavirus or traveled to an area where COVID-19 is widespread (here’s a CDC list) within the last 14 days, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
From there, the experts will work with your local health department to determine what to do and if you need to be tested for coronavirus, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
And, of course, if you think you’re sick with coronavirus, don’t risk exposing other people to the virus. Anyone who feels unwell has been ordered to stay home or risk getting a $500 fine.
Those with questions and concerns about coronavirus can call the Illinois Department of Public Health at 800-889-3931.
Block Club Chicago’s coronavirus coverage is free for all readers. Block Club is an independent, 501(c)(3), journalist-run newsroom.
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