CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Chicago and state health officials addressed the latest coronavirus cases in the city during a press conference Sunday afternoon at the Office of Emergency Management and Communication.
No additional cases have been found related to individuals who came in contact with the sixth case -- a Chicago woman in her 50s who's a special education classroom assistant at Vaughn Occupational High School in Portage Park on the Northwest Side. The woman, who was a passenger on the Grand Princess cruise ship last month, began experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 upon returning to work. She's currently in stable condition at an undisclosed hospital, Chicago Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said last week.
Though none of the results of those tested at Vaughn have come back positive, the school remains closed through March 18. Anyone who was at the school is being asked to stay home for the 14 days it's believed that the coronavirus incubates. Arwady said the school is undergoing a deep-clean now and that all Chicago Public Schools will undergo an increased protocol for cleaning beginning Monday. Dr. Ngozi O. Ezike, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, joined Arwardy during the press conference.
Illinois' seventh COVID-19 case involves a Chicago man in his 60s who's in the hospital in critical condition. During today's press conference, Arwady said the man hasn't traveled but couldn't confirm how and from where he contracted the illness. She said his case may be a community transmission not related to an already confirmed case.
"My team is literally doing interviews today in working to make sure we understand and if it's still possible, we can still link it to a confirmed case," she said.
She added that with the seventh case, that the department came forward so quickly in the name of transparency.
Arwardy said she expects they'll continue to find new cases of the coronavirus in Chicago and Illinois. Because of this, she stressed the importance of people increasing their sanitization practices and asked individuals who are exhibiting symptoms to stay out of contact with others. In other words, if someone has a respiratory illness or is experiencing a fever or cough, they should stay at home from school and work. She also suggested people with those symptoms limit their travel and avoid large gatherings. At this point, local health officials aren't recommending the city cancels mass gatherings like concerts and parades but encourage businesses to review their practices regarding telecommuting and sanitization.