Illinois reports 59 more coronavirus deaths; cat tests positive
The human coronavirus is shown in a file image made from a transmission electron microscopy view. (Photo by Cavallini James/BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Illinois on Friday reported 59 new deaths related to COVID-19, raising the total to nearly 5,800.
The state also said a cat recently tested positive for COVID-19 while in a house with people who had also tested positive.
“This is the first animal to test positive for the virus in Illinois,” the Department of Public Health said. “There is no evidence COVID-19 is transmitted from animal to humans. However, if you are sick, you should distance yourself from pets as well as people.”
The state logged an additional 1,156 virus cases, boosting the total since the outbreak began to about 126,000.
Labs said they have received more than 1 million specimens for testing.
Nearly 46% of tests taken by Latinos statewide have been positive, higher than any other ethnic group, the Chicago Tribune reported, citing an analysis of state data by the Latino Policy Forum.
“I just don’t see how we can reopen in Chicago if our black and brown communities don’t have the virus under better control,” said Dr. Pamela Vergara-Rodriguez, who specializes in internal medicine, psychiatry and addiction medicine at Cook County health system.