Illinois Public Health Officials
Announce the Deaths of Three More Individuals in Illinois with
Coronavirus Disease
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[May 19, 2020]
The Illinois Department of
Public Health Thursday announced the death of three people in
Illinois with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The individuals
include a Will County resident in his 50s and a Cook County resident
in her 80s, and an out-of-state resident in her 70s who was in
Sangamon County.
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“I am saddened to announce three more people in
Illinois with coronavirus disease have passed away,” said IDPH
Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “We ask everyone to please, stay home as
much as possible so we can reduce the number of people who are
infected and potentially suffer serious illness, including death.”
There are 136 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) across
Illinois. Five additional counties are now reporting cases; Jackson,
Kankakee, LaSalle, Washington, and Williamson counties.
Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 422 cases in 22 counties in
Illinois. Cases have occurred in ages 9 to 99. Cases by county can
be found on the IDPH website, as well as a list of local health
departments who will have the most up-to-date information.
The number of COVID-19 cases being reported is rising quickly,
partly because of the increase in testing by commercial and hospital
laboratories. Because testing is becoming more available in these
labs, IDPH will prioritize testing for our most vulnerable
populations, such as those who work or live in nursing homes and
other congregate facilities.
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Once a case in these locations is confirmed, per
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, testing of all
residents and staff without symptoms is not recommended. However,
all precautions to prevent additional spread should be taken and
staff and residents should be closely monitored for respiratory
illness.
But the growing number of cases also reflects a rapid
spread of disease across communities. While these numbers are
concerning, it’s not unexpected and the more robust information will
allow us to better understand and track the size and scope of the
outbreak and strengthen prevention and response efforts.
For information on actions you and community can take, please visit
Steps to Stay Safe from COVID-19. For general questions about
COVID-19, call the hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information] |