March 2, 2020 – The state’s public health officials say the risk from COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, remains low for Illinois residents and the state is preparing in case the outbreak intensifies. The Illinois Department of Public Health and announced that a third Illinois patient in Cook County tested positive for the virus. The two other cases in the state. . . a woman who visited China and her husband, have both since recovered. Illinois officials said diligence among public health officials and residents practicing routine hygiene will keep the risk low in Illinois. State officials said they continue to work closely with federal and local health officials. Other preparations include continued monitoring and sampling from hospitals of people who may be showing symptoms. Public health officials emphasized simple precautions such as washing hands, cleaning surfaces, staying home when sick and getting medical attention if needed.
