CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- As Illinois modifies its stay-at-home restrictions beginning Friday, its COVID-19 cases continue to rise, with 2,563 new ones and 141 additional deaths reported. The state now has recorded a total of 52,918 cases and 2,355 deaths since the start of the pandemic, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Illinois' modified stay-at-home order begins tomorrow with retail stores able to reopen by taking orders online or by phone and delivering them curbside. Golf courses, some state parks -- excluding those in Cook County and Chicago — and greenhouses will be able to open by adhering to strict measures. Patients wanting to have elective surgeries will be able to as well. The extended stay-at-home order expires May 30.
Also, beginning Friday, all Illinoisans required to wear a face covering in public in spaces where they're unable to social distance at six feet or more.
During his daily coronavirus news conference Thursday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said that some firefighters and paramedics will be tested before and after their shifts and that all firefighters are required to wear masks when in firehouses.
About 13,200 COVID-19 tests have been performed over the past 24 hours, IDPH Commissioner Dr. Ngozi Ezike said. She called on Illinoisans to provide as much info as possible when testing.
This story is developing and will be updated. Read more of WBBM's coronavirus coverage HERE.
