Illinois Surpasses 700K COVID Cases With 7,574 More Reported Friday - NBC Chicago

Illinois reported 7,574 new confirmed and probable coronavirus cases Friday, lifting the statewide total to more than 700,000 cases since the pandemic began.

According to the latest data from the Illinois Department of Public Health, Friday's new case total brings the state to 705,063 cases of the virus since the pandemic began in March.

The total number of coronavirus tests conducted in Illinois since the pandemic began sits at 10,289,223, according to IDPH.

Illinois and Chicago health officials have spent days joining federal authorities and health experts in asking people to avoid travel and celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday virtually or only with members of their immediate household.

"I'm urging you not to engage in your normal Thanksgiving plans, to keep it limited to your immediate household," Lightfoot said, noting that Chicago is projected to see an additional 1,000 coronavirus deaths by the end of the year.