Illinois Coronavirus Update: 34 Deaths, Over 3,000 Cases

ILLINOIS — As more than 430 additional coronavirus cases were confirmed in Illinois, bringing the state's case count to 3,026, the United States passed a grim milestone, becoming the hardest-hit nation in the world when it comes to the virus.

The Illinois death toll is now at 34.

As of Friday morning, the U.S. has more than 97,000 cases, more than China or Italy, which has been Europe's hardest-hit country.

On Thursday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike implored residents to continue to practice social distancing and lashed out at those who refuse to do so.

To those who are still gathering in groups, the governor said,"If you're doing these things, you are spitting in the face of the doctors and nurses and first responders who are risking everything so that you can survive." We are quite literally in the middle of a battle to save your life."

In Cook County and elsewhere, coroners are preparing for a surge in deaths, taking measures including bringing freezer trailers online to handle a possible influx of bodies.

Cook County residents' hesitance to stay at home and practice social distancing has drawn the anger of officials, including Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

The statewide stay-at-home order is in effect until at least April 7, and Illinois schools are closed through at least April 8.

Nationwide, there are 97,028 coronavirus cases and 1,475 deaths.

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

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State, national coronavirus numbers

Illinois:

• Total number of presumptive coronavirus cases: 3,026
• People tested: 21,542
• Deaths: 34

Nationwide

• Total number of coronavirus cases: 97,028
• Deaths: 1,475
• Jurisdictions reporting cases: 54 (50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and U.S. Virgin Islands)

Latest global and U.S. confirmed cases and deaths from Johns Hopkins.

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).