Currently, IDPH is reporting 93 cases in 13 counties in Illinois. Officials say 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. They say social distancing measures, such as working from home when possible, limiting the amount of time spent in the community and trying to avoid public transportation as much as possible, will help reduce the number of people who become sick at any given time and the possibility of exhausting health care resources.
The IDPH made the announcement as Governor J.B. Pritzker gave an update on efforts to stop the spread of the virus in the state. The governor ordered all bars and restaurants to close to the public as of close of business Monday night through March 30. He says he is working with owners and food delivery services to see if they can keep their kitchens open safely so they can continue delivery. Officials are allowing drive-thru services and curbside pickup.
A representative from the Illinois Restaurant Association says they were informed about the shutdown of restaurants by Gov. Pritzker on Sunday afternoon following a spike in COVID-19 deaths in Italy.