SPRINGFIELD (KMOX) - The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced 12 new cases of coronavirus disease across the state, bringing the total to 105 across 15 counties.
The cases are in all age ranges and the cases do not have a clear connection to travel or a known Covid-19 case, according to a release from the IDPH.
Two new counties are reporting cases: Peoria and Will counties. Other locations with cases include Chicago and Champaign, Clinton, Cook, Cumberland, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Sangamon, St. Clair, Whiteside, Winnebago, and Woodford counties.
“We know there is a lot of concern as the number of cases and locations increase,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “However, not everyone who has respiratory symptoms like cough and shortness of breath needs to be tested. Similarly, not everyone who is infected with novel coronavirus needs medical treatment. We want to make sure those at higher risk of severe illness are prioritized for testing and that they can receive the medical care they need. We ask those who have mild symptoms to stay home so the health care system is not overwhelmed.”
A total of 1,143 patients have been tested in Illinois for COVID-19, with 1,038 coming back negative.
IDPH is asking for the public to take social distancing measures, such as working from home when possible, limiting the amount of time spent in the community, and trying to avoid public transportation as much as possible, will help reduce the number of people who become sick at any given time and the possibility of exhausting our health care resources.