Illinois COVID-19 Update

March 26, 2020

At today’s press briefing, the Illinois Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) announced 673 new COVID-19 cases, for a total of 2,538 cases in 37 counties statewide. Seven new deaths were reported— a man in his 50s, two men and two women in their 60s, a man in his 70s, and a woman in her 90s—for a total of 26 deaths. The age of cases ranges from younger than one year of age to 99 years of age. 

IDPH released data on the confirmed cases by race: 40% White, 28% Black, 9% other, 4% Asian and 19% unidentified origin.

Gov. Pritzker announced that President Trump has approved Illinois disaster declaration. This federal disaster declaration will make available federal funds for crisis counseling, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency protective measures, including telehealth expansion. 

At the press briefing, the Governor announced the Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund. Through the United Way of Illinois and the Alliance of Illinois Community Foundations, in collaboration with the Office of the Governor J.B. Pritzker, the Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund is designed to help “support residents in need of emergency food and basic supplies, interim housing and shelter, primary healthcare services, utility assistance, direct financial assistance for household expenses, supports for children and other vulnerable populations, and nonprofit safety and operations assistance.” Chaired by Penny Pritzker, nearly $23 million has been raised and will be distributed to local community foundations and nonprofits throughout the state. Details are available in a press release.

IDPH announced that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has developed an Excel spreadsheet for healthcare organizations to use to develop an estimate of when they will reach critical levels of personal protective equipment. Information on how to use the PPE burn rate calculator are available here.

Due to the influx of residents not complying with social distancing and the stay-at-home order, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has ordered the Lake Michigan trail and all adjacent park areas closed until further notice. A city press release notes that the Chicago Police Dept. will start issuing warnings, then citations and even possible arrests, if people continue to violate the order.

See IHA’s COVID-19 webpage for a variety of resources in a central location.