Latest Coronavirus Updates: 65 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 33,059 and 1,468 people have died from the coronavirus. According to the Will County Department of Health, there are 1,739 confirmed cases in the county, and 107 county residents have died.

As of April 21, the Illinois Department of Public Health is also reporting there have been 325 tests performed with a total of 65 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in ZIP code 60423.

Don't miss updates in Frankfort as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

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.

There have been a total of six confirmed cases of the coronavirus at the Will County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Mike Kelley wrote in an update April 17. Several of those who did test positive have or will return to work after now testing negative. 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.

>>>See statewide updates and news here

SCHOOLS

Schools across Illinois, and in Frankfort, will be closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. MORE.

Summit Hill District 161 has postponed eighth grade graduation and canceled all May extracurricular and co-curricular activities, including the eighth grade banquet and eighth grade trip to Great America. MORE.

BUSINESSES

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

Several local chambers of commerce have partnered in an effort to "bring on the blue" and show support for healthcare workers and first responders who are working to keep our communities safe during the coronavirus pandemic. MORE.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Nothing Bundt Cakes in Mokena is offering curbside pick-up and delivery services. While the bakery continues to take orders and make deliveries for local residents, owner Bob Feldman has also gone on some special deliveries around the south suburbs. MORE.

HOSPITALS

At Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, the hospital said as of April 15, it has 69 inpatients with known or suspected coronavirus. Of the 69 patients, 56 have tested positive for coronavirus and 13 are considered persons under investigation. All are being cared for in isolation. MORE.

Silver Cross Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Ruth Colby has added a new video to the hospital's coronavirus informational series: Nursing and COVID-19. The hospital said the video series has earned more than 44,000 views in total on the hospital's Facebook page. 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 village has canceled several events, including the Earth Day celebration planned for April 25 and the spring season of the Frankfort Country Market through May 31.

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.