Coronavirus cases in Illinois reach 93

The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Illinois has reached 93, state health officials announced Sunday.

That includes new cases in five additional counties. In all, residents in 13 counties have been confirmed testing positive for the COVID-19 virus.

The counties with their first confirmed cases are: Champaign, Clinton, Sangamon, Whiteside, and Winnebago. Other locations with cases include Chicago and Cook, Cumberland, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, St. Clair, and Woodford counties.

“We are seeing the number of COVID-19 cases increase exponentially and in more locations across Illinois,” Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of Illinois Department of Public Health, was quoted as saying in a news release. “At this point, it is best to assume that the coronavirus is circulating in your community and you should take the same precautions when interacting with other people that you would when interacting with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. This may seem like an extreme step, but this is how we reduce the number of new cases and prevent the health care system from being overwhelmed.”

Cases have occurred in all age ranges, according to the department, and the number of cases that do not have a clear connection to travel or a known COVID-19 case is increasing.

“This virus does not discriminate. It is an equal opportunity virus that can affect anyone of any age of any race from any zip code,” Ezike said Sunday at a news conference, where she was joined by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and other officials.

“It is important that we reduce the amount of virus circulating in the community.”

Check back for updates on this developing story.