Numbers of COVID-19 cases in Illinois continue to grow

Posted on April 11, 2020
Cases of confirmed coronavirus in the state are now more than 19,000(Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

 

By Katherine Murphy

At his briefing Saturday afternoon Governor Pritzker announced the creation of a new tele-health program and a mental health support hotline.

In partnership with OSF Healthcare and Southern Illinois University School of Medicine the program was established to reduce barriers to health and mental health services to support residents across Illinois with a focus on under served communities and those at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pritzker stressed that his administration is here to serve you and help see you through this time of crisis.

Individuals who would like to speak with a mental health professional can text “TALK” to 5-5-2-0-2-0, or for Spanish, “HABLAR” to the same number: 5-5-2-0-2-0. Call4Calm is free to use, and individuals will remain anonymous.

While some governors in other states are now pushing stay-at-home orders to May 15 the governor says it’s something he examines everyday.

In talking with scientists and epidemiologists to see what the latest data is showing and in having conversations with other governors to see what their thoughts are and what makes them decided certain things.

There are 1,293 new cases of coronavirus in the state, with 81 new deaths bringing the state totals to 19,180 confirmed and 677 lives lost.

Meanwhile, there were no changes to the number of cases in McLean County with the current total of confirmed sitting at 75 with two deaths.

Katherine Murphy can be reached at [email protected]

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