There are now more than 5,000 COVID-19 cases in Illinois

Today, the state of Illinois reported 461 new COVID-19 cases and eight new deaths. The deaths include an incarcerated man from Stateville Correctional Center.

According to the governor’s office, all of the deaths occurred in the Chicago metro area. They include males and females in their 50s, 60s, and 70s.

Yesterday, the state reported 1,105 new cases of coronavirus disease and 18 deaths. The spike in new cases on Sunday was the biggest yet reported in the state. After today’s report, the total number of cases in Illinois stands at 5,057 with 73 deaths.

In addition to the death at Stateville, the state says that 12 men who were incarcerated are now hospitalized. Several require ventilators. There are an additional 77 incarcerated individuals with symptoms along with eleven staff members. The individuals have been isolated at the facility.

Per protocol, Stateville is currently on lockdown. No movement around the facility is allowed except for medical care. Inmates showing symptoms of COVID-19 are being tested.

“The Illinois Department of Corrections is taking a number of steps to control the spread of COVID-19 in its correctional centers,” the governor’s office says. “Staff who work with individuals in isolation and quarantine, as well as in the health center, are wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE) and all staff are wearing some PPE. Staff are also having their temperature checked daily as they enter the facility.”