Indiana reports 1st Coronavirus death
he Illinois Department of Public Health today announced 12 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) across Illinois. Two additional counties are now reporting cases, Peoria and Will counties. Other locations with cases include Chicago and Champaign, Clinton, Cook, Cumberland, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Sangamon, St. Clair, Whiteside, Winnebago, and Woodford counties.
Information so far suggests that most COVID-19 illness is mild. However, older people and people of all ages with severe chronic medical conditions, like heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes, seem to be at higher risk of developing serious illness. It is crucial that we limit contact with older people and those with certain health conditions.
Currently, IDPH is reporting 105 cases in 15 counties in Illinois. Cases have occurred in all age ranges and the number of cases that do not have a clear connection to travel or a known COVID-19 case is increasing.
Indiana has seen its first death from COVID-19, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb announced Monday.
"It's of a somewhat somber circumstance that we're called together at this moment," he said. "Suffice it to say that the health and safety of every single citizen in our state is of paramount importance to us all. It saddens me to announce that as of earlier this morning, we as a state have lost our first Hoosier to the coronavirus, COVID-19."
Dr. Ram Yeliti, chief physician executive at the Community Physician Network, said the patient, who was over age 60, already had pre-existing health conditions. But he emphasized that the patient would not have died had it not been for the coronavirus.
"What makes this really hard is that this individual's significant other was also infected, and so the two of them could not be together when this patient passed," Yeliti said. "We had to do iPad conferencing so the two individuals could see each other, so that this individual would not die alone. One of our nurses stayed in the room with this patient."
Officials urge anyone above the age of 60 with diabetes, cancer, heart condition, lung condition or hypertension to self-isolate immediately.
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