SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Governor J.B. Pritzker will give updates on the state of Illinois with coronavirus at 2:30 every afternoon.
Since Monday’s update, eight more cases of coronavirus have been confirmed, bringing the total to 19.
“These new cases include our first two from outside of Cook County,” Pritzker said. “These two cases outside Cook County, a man in his late teens with ties to Lake and McHenry Counties, and an unrelated individual in her 60’s from Kane County.”
The governor said the two individuals are not health care workers and have not had close contact with any known cases of COVID-19.
“Since health officials can not determine the origin of these two unrelated cases, each likely reflects community transmission of the virus,” Pritzker said.
There has been direct contact with health officials and the counties with confirmed cases on the next steps for containment and protecting susceptible citizens.
Pritzker said it is likely the state will see more positive cases.
“We were among the first states in the nation able to test for COVID-19, which we are now doing in Chicago, in Springfield, and in Carbondale,” he said. “And we anticipate commercial expansion in the near future.”
Pritzker has demanded more coronavirus tests for the state of Illinois.
“As always, we encourage everyone to check in on their elderly friends, relatives, and neighbors,” Pritzker said. “To wash their hands regularly and vigorously, and to use precautions about large crowds.”
Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Illinois Department of Public Health Director, said she knows people will be concerned to see a young person as one of the new cases of COVID-19 in the state.
“Although we do have younger individuals based on what we’ve seen in other countries, the virus appears to show more severe illness in older adults,” Ezike said.
Ezike said they are asking older adults to limit activities in their communities, especially indoor events with large crowds.
“We are also recommending long-term care facilities and nursing homes to restrict visitors under the age of 18, and those with obvious colds, influenza, or potential COVID-19 infection,” Ezike said.
To slow and reduce the spread of coronavirus, Ezike said that social distance will have to be done in communities.
“This may include cancelling large events. It may include limiting going out in the community, working from home if possible with your job is an option that might be employed,” Ezike said.
The IDPH has launched COVID-19 Coronavirus Hotline citizens can call with questions about coronavirus or report suspected cases to 1-800-889-3931. Or, citizens can visit www.dph.illinois.gov.
