The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced a new case of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Chicago and provided ongoing guidance to the public to help contain the spread of the virus. The new case, the seventh in Illinois, was detected in a Chicago resident in his 60s who sought medical care. Testing was negative for flu and other viruses, at which point he was tested for COVID-19 and found to be a presumptive positive. The patient is currently hospitalized and is in serious condition. An investigation by CDPH is still underway but at this point this case has not been linked to any travel or to an already confirmed COVID-19 case.

Chicago is enhancing its surveillance efforts and was among the first cities in the U.S. to expand testing. As part of CDC’s community surveillance and in an effort to diagnose new cases of COVID-19 quickly and prevent community spread, several emergency departments in Chicago, as well as others across Illinois, are testing a sample of patients who present with influenza-like symptoms for COVID-19. As a reminder, practicing everyday preventive actions such as washing your hands often, staying home when sick, and covering your cough, are the most effective ways to prevent the spread of many illnesses, including COVID-19. At this time, there is no recommendation in Chicago to cancel mass gatherings or public events. For general questions about COVID-19, call the hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.