Illinois reports flattening the curve

Photo courtesy of J.B. Pritzker Facebook page.

CHICAGO, Ill. – A week after reporting the highest number of deaths due to COVID-19, Illinois may be flattening the curve.

Illinois has seen growth in its doubling rates increase after placing a variety of executive orders. Illinois has now been in a “Stay at Home” order since March 21, 2020.

“On March 22 the rate at which our COVID positive case count was doubling was just about 2 days. By April first, that rate had increased to around 3.6 days. As of this Sunday, April 12 our case doubling rate has reached 8.2 days,” said Governor J.B. Pritzker.

During the COVID-19 daily press briefing, IDPH reported 1,222 new cases and 74 additional deaths. Illinois is now at a total of 23,247 cases of the virus and 868 deaths due to the virus.

McLean County Health Department reported two additional cases Tuesday. This brings the total to 81 COVID-19 cases in the county.

MCHD reports 52 individuals have recovered from the virus while 23 remain in home isolation. They also report two deaths in the county while four patients remain hospitalized.

“We are in fact bending the curve,” said Pritzker

However, Pritzker warned the curve may not flatten or go up again if residents do not follow the stay at home order.

“There is no one who wants the state to open up more than I do. I want kids to go back to school and I want parents to go back to work. I want families to enjoy our parks and lakefronts. I want small businesses thriving, restaurants flooded with reservations. Job growth to return to their record high,” said Pritzker. “But no matter what the president may say I will do what’s best to safeguard the health and safety of Illinois residents.”