
Click here to subscribe FREE to Ray Hanania's Columns
Illinois identifies 25 patients with Coronavirus
The World Health Organization (WHO) declares COVID-19 a “Pandemic”
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today is announcing six additional individuals have tested positive at the IDPH laboratory for coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
“More cases in more places in Illinois means we are seeing growing transmission of the virus in the community,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “Today the World Health Organization characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic. We will see additional cases in Illinois and I urge people to take steps now to reduce the impact this will have on their daily lives.”

Public health officials are still investigating the travel history of these individuals and any potential contact with a known COVID-19 case. Public health officials will identify and contact people who are considered close contacts of these cases.
At this time, we can release the following information regarding the new cases:
Chicago:
• 80s male
• 70s male
• 70s male
• 50s female
• 40s male
Lake County:
• 50s male
For information about how you, your school, workplace, and community can prepare, please visit Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities. For general questions about COVID-19, call the hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email [email protected].

Click here to subscribe FREE to Ray Hanania's Columns
- Leving Rescued Dad’s Daughter from Reported Violent Home and Gave Her Hope - October 15, 2026
- Maria Pappas shares emotional stories of family, faith and perseverance during Romanian Heritage Center book signing - October 10, 2026
- The Cook County Treasurer and the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans Attend Flag Raising and Kickoff Event Ahead of Columbus Day Parade - October 9, 2026
