125 new COVID-19 deaths, but telehealth for recovering at home now available statewide
State officials on Saturday reported 125 new deaths from the COVID-19 virus, tying a mark for the most deaths within a 24-hour period that first was set on Thursday.
The increase brings the total death toll from the virus to 1,259 across Illinois since the pandemic began.
Officials on Saturday also reported 1,585 more cases of the new coronavirus, bringing the total statewide to 29,160.
“Although our numbers continue to climb, it is with some guarded optimism that we say the growth is slowing,” Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike said.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker would not say whether he will extend the stay-at-home order or when he will announce a decision.
“I'm going to do what's best for the people of the state,” Pritzker said during his 41st daily coronavirus briefing in a row. “We're not yet at our peak, so it's hard to make decisions about what happens after the peak.”
Pritzker on Saturday also announced the expansion to northern Illinois of what he described as “a terrific new telehealth program that allows remote patient monitoring for COVID-19.”
The program, in partnership with Advocate Aurora Health, will provide daily virtual visits with health care workers to patients who have tested positive for the respiratory illness, along with wellness kits to help them manage the virus at home. The kits will include equipment such as a thermometer, pulse oximeter, blood pressure cuffs and alcohol wipes.
The telehealth service launched in southern and central Illinois last week and now is available statewide. To access the service, call (866) 443-2584.
“To be very clear, the remote patient monitoring program is available to everyone who is COVID-positive and recovering at home, regardless of your insurance coverage,” Pritzker said.
The service is meant for people who develop a mild version of the illness.
“That's the vast majority of people who get infected,” Pritzker said.
Despite calls to open up the Lake Michigan shoreline or the fishing holes at state parks for socially distanced use, Pritzker did not alter the stay-at-home order, which extends until April 30, during Saturday's briefing.
Ezike reminded residents to stay vigilant to continue to slow the virus' spread.
“I know people are getting tired of hearing the same message, but the same tactics continue to apply,” Ezike said. “Continue to stay home, continue to wash your hands, wear a mask if you go outside. Let's keep up the progress we've made thus far.”