Don't Ingest, Inject Or Snort Disinfectants: IL Health Officials

CHICAGO — Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike had a stern warning for residents during Saturday's COVID-19 press conference with Gov. J.B. Pritzker. "Injecting, ingesting, snorting household cleaners is dangerous," she said. "It is not advised and can be deadly." Ezike said there had been a significant increase in calls to the Illinois Poison Center in the past two days involving attempts to use household cleaners to treat the new coronavirus, including people using a detergent solution for a sinus rinse or gargling with mouthwash and bleach.

The news followed President Donald Trump's musings that injecting disinfectant might kill coronavirus.

"Please listen to scientists and health experts about how to stay healthy," Ezike said.

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"The best way to stay healthy," she said, "is to avoid becoming infected in the first place" by wearing a face covering, maintaining six feet of distance and washing your hands.

Coronavirus Statistics

Ezike said there are currently 4,699 people hospitalized throughout the state with coronavirus. Roughly a quarter of these patients are in an intensive care unit, and 763 are on ventilators, she said.

Since Friday, there have been an additional 2,119 coronavirus cases and 80 more deaths, bringing the state's total coronavirus cases to 41,777 and the statewide death toll to 1,874.

The 80 recent deaths are as follows:

• Coles County: 1 male 70s
• Cook County: 1 female 30s, 2 females 40s, 2 males 40s, 1 male 50s, 2 females 60s, 8 males 60s, 3 females 70s, 7 males 70s, 5 females 80s, 9 males 80s, 2 females 90s, 3 males 90s, 1 female 100+
• DuPage County: 1 female 90s, 1 male 90s
• Jersey County: 1 male 50s
• Kankakee County: 1 female 80s, 1 female 90s
• Lake County: 1 male 50s, 3 females 70s, 1 male 70s, 1 female 80s, 2 males 80s, 1 female 90s, 1 male 90s
• Macon County: 1 female 80s
• Madison County: 1 male 90s
• McHenry County: 1 female 90s
• Monroe County: 1 female 80s, 1 female 100+
• St. Clair County: 1 female 60s, 1 male 70s, 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s, 1 female 100+
• Whiteside County: 1 male 50s
• Will County: 1 female 60s, 1 male 60s, 1 male 70s, 1 female 80s, 2 males 80s
• Winnebago County: 1 female 100+

Resources for Residents

During Saturday's press conference, Pritzker highlighted the importance of paying attention to one's mental health and spotlighted some resources residents can use, including the Call4Calm emotional support program.

Residents can text TALK to 552020 for support in English or HABLAR to 552020 for support in Spanish to get a call back from a counselor within 24 hours. The text line has accessibility features as well for blind and deaf resident, Pritzker said.

Residents can also text keywords like "unemployment," "food," or "shelter" to get specific information about those services.

If you or a loved one need help with substance use disorder you can call 1-833-2-FIND-HELP or visit helpline.il.org.

Positive News In the Community

Pritzker went on to spotlight some local social service programs that have made a difference during the coronavirus crisis. "We have seen an outpouring of individual Illinoisans" doing what they can to help "friends and even strangers," Pritzker said.

Pritzker commended the Gateway Foundation, which has transformed its 12 outpatient programs to virtual counseling and online 12-step programs.

He also recognized Encore Developmental Services in Clinton, a team that "took to the streets with signs and songs to celebrate" residents' birthdays.

He added that Off Their Plate in Chicago has partnered with area restaurants to support restaurant workers and served nearly 2,000 meals to hospital workers in the area.

Illinois Coronavirus Update April 25: 39,658 Cases; 1,795 Deaths