Illinois officials: 2,325 new cases of virus, 111 new deaths

CHICAGO (AP) - Illinois has 2,325 new cases of coronavirus disease and 111 additional deaths, the state Department of Public Health said Saturday.

The new numbers raised the number of deaths in the state from COVID-19 to 3,349 and the total number of cases to 76.085, the department said. The ages of the patients who have contracted the disease range from younger than 1 older than 100.

Saturday marked the fifth straight day with at least 100 new deaths reported during what Gov. J.B. Pritzker's administration has said is the peak of the pandemic.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. But for others, especially older people and the infirm, it can cause severe symptoms and lead to death.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that four companies in the city will produce 1 million cloth face masks for vulnerable populations. The state is enforcing a new order requiring everyone to wear face masks in areas where proper social distancing is impossible.