78 Confirmed Or Suspected Cases Of Coronavirus At Silver Cross

NEW LENOX, IL — Illinois added 1,344 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, and 66 more people have died as the outbreak continues. As of 2:30 p.m., the state's coronavirus case count stood at 16,422, with 528 deaths attributable to COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

At Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, the hospital said as of Thursday afternoon 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.

"At Silver Cross, our emergency preparedness plan addresses all aspects of our response to COVID-19 including appropriate staffing, supplies and personal protective equipment. Our No. 1 priority at Silver Cross is patient and staff safety, and our plan ensures that we can deliver on that," Director of Marketing and Community Relations Debra Robbins told Patch.

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Robins said the hospital has been humbled by the outpouring of love and support from the community.

"We've received hundreds of wonderful meals and masks and supplies, and so much encouragement; we are forever grateful to all of you for standing by us as we continue to care for patients who need us the most," Robin said.

In Will County, the health department is reporting 1,012 coronavirus cases, and 44 people have died. The county reported its first death of a person under 40 Thursday. According to state data, Will County's latest deaths were a woman in her 30s, a woman in her 60s, two men in their 60s, a man in his 70s, a woman in her 80s, two men in their 80s and a woman in her 90s.

Read more:

• Illinois Coronavirus Update April 9: 462 Deaths
• Will County Courthouse Deputy Tests Positive For Coronavirus
• Will County Sheriff's Deputy, Jail Nurse Have Coronavirus
• Meal Train Created For Silver Cross ICU, ER Staff
• Coronavirus: Silver Cross Hospital Accepting Supply Donations