COVID-19 Related Deaths Back Up in Tuesday Report

After two days of much lower death totals, the Illinois Department of Public Health Tuesday reported 176 COVID-19 related deaths, the largest number for any 24-hour period since reporting began.

The death total follows a total in the 60s on Sunday and in the 40s on Monday. Of the total, 117 were from Cook County. There were 13 deaths in DuPage County, and 10 deaths in Will County.

No COVID-19 related deaths were reported in any area county. 

There's been a change in the number of positive cases in Effingham County. Rather than six cases, the number reported Tuesday is five. Crystal Schutzbach of the Effingham County Health Department said there was a case that should have been assigned to another county.

Jasper County is now reporting 48 positive cases, three more than the 45 cases reported previously. Cumberland County is now reporting four positive cases, rather than three.

Other area counties' numbers are unchanged; 10 in Shelby County, 16 in Fayette County, and two in Clay County.

The State Tuesday announced a new COVID-19 testing facility will open Wednesday in East St. Louis at the Jackie Joyner Kersee Center. The testing will be available free of charge, and the center will be open seven days a week.

The Illinois Department of Human Services is reminding Illinois residents about the Illinois Helpline, a resource for residents who need emotional support or quick answers to questions about the COVID-19 pandemic. Illinoisans can text "TALK" to 55-2020 for the Call4Calm service.

IDPH is reporting a total of 65,962 positive cases, including 2,838 deaths, in 97 counties in Illinois. More than 13,000 tests were administered for the past 24-hour period. For health questions about COVID-19, phone 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.