Evanston reported four new COVID-19 cases today, bringing the city’s total to 328. Across Illinois there were 2,253 new cases, raising the statewide total to 50,355.
The City of Chicago reported 851 additional cases for a total of 20,413. Skokie reported 6 new cases for a total of 435.
Evanston’s death toll from the pandemic remained unchanged at 10. Skokie reported one new death for a total of 17. Chicago reported 48 more deaths today for a total of 851. Across the state there were 90 new deaths for a total of 2,215.
The state reported the results of 14,478 more COVID-19 tests today, for a total of 256,667 tests performed during the pandemic so far. The count of new cases today was the second highest ever. Positive results were returned in 15.6% of the tests conducted. That’s down from a positive results rate above 20% before the recent surge in the number of tests conducted.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker, at his news conference this afternoon noted that the White house guidelines for beginning a phased reopening of business activity call for seeing a downward trajectory of COVID-like syndrome cases reported for a 14 day period. So far the case counts in Illinois remain on a generally upward trend, although Evanston has seen what may turn out to be the first few days of a downward trend.
A second Republican lawmaker filed suit today challenging Pritzker’s power to extend his stay at home order. Rep. John Cabello of Machesney Park filed the new suit. Pritzker called the suit “irresponsible” and “just another attempt at grandstanding.”
The downturn in local cases
The downturn in local cases is starting to look significant. Crossing my fingers. Another good result tomorrow and I’ll start to breathe easier.