Illinois reports 867 new coronavirus cases, 43 new deaths

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Illinois is reporting 867 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus, bringing the total number of cases in the state to 127,757, the Illinois Department of Public Health announced Sunday.

The Department of Health reported 43 additional deaths from the disease in the past 24 hours, raising the number of confirmed deaths to 5,904.

Illinois is loosening restrictions imposed to limit the spread of the virus, although officials continue to encourage people to follow public health guidance. That includes frequent hand washing, keeping physical distance from others and wearing a face covering when it's difficult to physically stay apart from other people.

The health department says the preliminary seven-day statewide positivity rate for cases as a percent of total tested from May 31 through June 6 is 5%.