Update on COVID-19 cases and a new Remote Patient Monitoring Program

Photo courtesy Pritzker Facebook page

CHICAGO, Ill. – After announcing 1,293 new COVID-19 cases, IDPH announced a new program for Illinois residents struggling with mental health.

Illinois has now reached a total of 677 deaths and 19,180 cases of COVID-19. McLean County is reporting no new cases while remaining at 75 total cases in the county.

The county also reports 40 individuals recovering from the virus, while 29 individuals remain in home isolation. They also report four individuals hospitalized and two deaths due to the virus.

Officials also announced the launching of a Remote Patient Monitoring Program using Telehealth Service and Pandemic Health Worker programs. The program is partnering with OSF HealthCare and Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.

“We are living in a deeply unprecedented moment, and holding the emotional ramifications of that inside will only be harder on you. Please know that you don’t have to feel it all alone,” said Governor J.B. Pritzker. “My administration is here to serve you and help see you through this time of crisis – I want you to know that we’re here to help.”

The program will focus on providing easier access to health and mental health services for residents in Illinois, especially those at risk during the pandemic.

PHWs will be connecting with members of the community experiencing symptoms while in home isolation. They will also offer wellness kits that prove tools to monitor health, like a thermometer and blood pressure cuffs.

The OSF PHW teams are serving East Central and North Central Illinois communities include Peoria/Bloomington, Champaign/Urbana, Evergreen Park, Danville, Galesburg, Kewanee, Monmouth, Ottawa, Mendota, Streator, Pontiac and Rockford. The OSF Hotline number is 833-673-5669 and is available now.