Latest Coronavirus Updates: 35 Confirmed Cases In Mokena Area

MOKENA, IL — The new coronavirus outbreak in Illinois and across the country is having vast impacts in Mokena, 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 35 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in zip code 60448.

At its April 13 village board meeting, village administrator John Tomasoski gave an update on the operations of various village facilities.

• Village hall is staffed and available to work with residents. Payments are encouraged to be made online, mail, drop box in front of village hall or by phone.
• The public works department is maintaining infrastructure, the water and sewer plant is operational, and it is conducting certain public projects related to maintenance.
• The police department is continuing operations and is reminding residents of possible scams related to the coronavirus.
• The community development department is still issuing permits, continue inspections and assisting local businesses.
• Refuse services are continuing, and the first spring leaf and branch pick-up is set for April 22.
• The village has also postponed its spring clean-up day scheduled for April 25.

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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 Mokena:

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

The Mokena Community Park District has launched a new initiative, "Home but not Alone," to help the community during the coronavirus pandemic. MORE.

Mokena resident Terry Germany first came up with the idea for Mokena Strong after seeing a Facebook post where a woman volunteered to pick up groceries for the elderly or others who couldn't leave their homes during the coronavirus crisis. 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.

FIRE DEPARTMENT

In a recent video from the Mokena Fire Protection District, district staff shared how paramedics will respond to medical calls during the coronavirus pandemic. MORE.

BUSINESSES

Mokena 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 Mokena Community Park District has closed all facilities and parks, including playgrounds, courts, the dog park and skate park. The park district is planning to reopen May 1.

The Mokena Public Library is closed through April 30. The library will be waiving all fines during the time it is closed, and patrons hold onto any materials they have checked out.