SPRINGFIELD –March 27, 2020 The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced 673 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including seven deaths; a man in his 50s, two men and two women in their 60s, a man in his 70s, and a woman in her 90s. Approximately 87% of fatalities are among patient 60 years of age and older.
Franklin and Tazewell counties are now reporting cases. Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 2,538 cases, including 26 deaths, in 37 counties in Illinois. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to 99 years.
There are zero confirmed cases in Warren County for the coronavirus. Testing is being done as three negative results have been reported. Jenna Link, Administrator at the Warren County Health Department, states the testing is being focused on those hospitalized or in a long term care setting:
“As far as the public health labs are concerned in the state, they have redirected their focus to doing those that are hospitalized or in a long term care setting. We have had more private labs come on board and ready to do the testing, so their focus has shifted a little bit, and made it a little more challenging for us because we are not always notified. Initially we were that go to person to give approval for testing and we have been taken out of that middle, which is good. It makes it process, but now providers can go to those private labs and request testing so we are not always aware of those tests until either the negative or positive results come back,” Link says
Emergency Response team meetings in Warren County are occurring in order to keep everyone up to date and promote the protective measures in place.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced 330 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including three deaths; a Kane County man in his 90s, a Cook County man in his 60s, and a Will County woman in her 50s.
Douglas, Marshall, and Morgan counties are now reporting cases. Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 1,865 cases in 35 counties in Illinois. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to 99 years.
Two correctional officers and one man incarcerated at Stateville Correctional Center have tested positive as well as a contractual worker at Sheridan Correctional Center. The two Stateville correctional officers are recovering at home and the individual who is incarcerated is isolated and recovering in the hospital. Those who have been identified as being potentially exposed are being quarantined and the facility is on a 14-day lockdown.
After consulting with IDPH, the Department of Corrections determined staff and men incarcerated at the Sheridan facility were at low to medium risk for potential exposure. The facility also was placed on a 14-day lockdown.
For updates on IDOC’s response to COVID-19,visit https://www2.illinois.gov/idoc/facilities/Pages/Covid19Response.aspx
For all personal protective equipment (PPE) donations, email PPE.donations@illinois.gov. For health questions about COVID-19, call the hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.
***Report Courtesy of the Illinois Department of Public Health***
