Latest Coronavirus Updates: 55 Confirmed Cases In Frankfort Area

FRANKFORT, IL — The new coronavirus outbreak in Illinois and across the country is having vast impacts in Frankfort, including the closure of several local businesses, the library, park district and schools.

As of Tuesday, the number of cases in Illinois is 23,247 and 868 people have died from the coronavirus. According to the Will County Department of Health, there are 1,350 confirmed cases in the county, and 77 county residents have died.

As of April 14, the Illinois Department of Public Health is also reporting there are 55 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in zip code 60423.

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Gov. J.B. Pritzker has also issued a stay-at-home order in effect until April 30. With this order, only essential businesses like grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations and restaurants offering carry-out services can remain open.

Here are the latest local updates from Frankfort:

Homewood Disposal Services, which provides refuse services for Frankfort, is asking that households infected with the coronavirus bag all recyclable material and place it in the trash/refuse cart. MORE.

A Frankfort nonprofit is offering 50 $50 Jewel gift cards to Frankfort families who have been negatively affected by the coronavirus pandemic. MORE.

The NAWS Humane Society of Illinois in Mokena is in danger of closing permanently. The society is asking for donations from the community, and there are still several animals available for adoption. MORE.

New Lenox resident Ron Dyrcz usually spends his time running his wood and metal furniture business, but he recently turned his resources to making face shields for healthcare workers fighting the coronavirus pandemic. MORE.

>>>See statewide updates and news here

SCHOOLS

Schools across Illinois, and in Frankfort, will be closed until April 30, per Pritzker's stay-at-home order. MORE.

Although all three Lincoln-Way high schools are closed until at least April 30, the schools have lit their Victory Lights as a sign of support and hope for first responders, essential workers, students teachers and the community during the coronavirus pandemic. MORE.

BUSINESSES

Frankfort Patch has created a local business directory by gathering information from local businesses. MORE.

HOSPITALS

At Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, the hospital said as of April 9 it is taking care of 78 inpatients with confirmed or suspected coronavirus. Fifty-four patients have tested positive, while 24 patients are considered persons under investigation. All 78 are being cared for in isolation rooms. MORE.

Two meal trains have been created for the Silver Cross Hospital ICU and Emergency Room staff. MORE.

CANCELLATIONS/CLOSURES
The Diocese of Joliet has suspended all normal religious services until further notice. The Islamic Foundation of the Southwest Suburbs has also suspended its Friday services. MORE.

The Frankfort Park District has announced that all its parks are now closed. Previously, playgrounds and the Bark Park were closed, but the park district has extended the closure to include paths/trails, basketball courts, tennis courts, athletic fields, open green space and hard play surfaces. MORE.

The Frankfort Public Library is closed until further notice. You should not return any checked out materials; all due dates have been extended through May 1.

The Frankfort Bluegrass Fest Committee announced it has canceled the annual Frankfort Bluegrass Festival scheduled for July 11 and 12 due to the coronavirus outbreak. MORE.