Illinois COVID-19 Update

May 6, 2020

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced 2,270 new COVID-19 cases and 136 deaths. The total number of cases in the state is 68,232 in 97 counties, with a total of 2,974 deaths. IDPH says that in the past 24 hours, 14,974 specimens have been processed. Statewide COVID-19 hospitalizations in the past 24 hours increased from 4,780 patients to 4,832 patients. Of that figure, 1,231 patients are in ICU with 780 patients on ventilators.

IDPH Director Ngozi Ezike M.D., said that approximately 30% of people who test positive may need hospitalization. Approximately 90% of people who die from COVID-19 have co-morbidities, which includes advanced age and immune-compromised people.

At his daily press briefing, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said that he is working with industry groups, IDPH and infectious disease experts on developing safety guidance for industries to use when businesses are able to reopen.

IDPH is now publishing data daily according to Restore Illinois metrics that will assist to determine when regions can move into the next phase of reopening.

Yesterday, IDPH released Frequently Asked Questions about resuming elective surgeries during the COVID-19 crisis. As noted, elective surgeries can resume on May 11. The document outlines specific questions related to COVID-19 testing requirements.