Illinois COVID-19 cases top 1 million, with 17,272 deaths

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The number of COVID-19 cases in Illinois has topped one million, the Illinois Department of Public Health announced Thursday

Public health officials announced the milestone as they reported 8,757 confirmed and probable coronavirus cases, including 177 deaths, bringing that total to including 17,272.

A total of 1,008,045 COVID-19 infections have been diagnosed across the state since March, the fifth highest total in the nation. More than 21 million cases have been diagnosed nationwide.

'œAs this disease continues to wreak havoc on our nation - with the United States setting another record for the most COVID-19 deaths in a day just yesterday - it is critical that we take extra caution today and in the months ahead to reduce the spread, bring down hospitalization rates, and save lives,'ť Gov. J.B. Pritzker said in a statement.

Pritzker noted that with the beginning of COVID-19 vaccine distribution, there is light at the end of a difficult time for nation. He added everything must be done to ensure residents are able to be there when the finish line is crossed.

COVID-19 hospitalizations have declined from a late November peak near 6,200 down to 3,921 as of late Wednesday. Of those, 783 were receiving intensive care and 450 were on ventilators.