Mild weekend for COVID-19 cases

Reduced testing still yields positive rate of 12 percent, but will it hold this week?

Starbucks locations have reopened for curbside pickup and deliveries. (One Illinois/Ted Cox)

By Ted Cox

The state registered dramatically lower numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths Sunday.

While Illinois also reported fewer tests, 13,653 — after hitting 20,000 in a day for the first time on Friday — the 1,656 new cases was the lowest reported since April, and produced a positivity rate of 12 percent, well below the 20 percent recorded earlier in the outbreak and below even the 14 percent reported Saturday.

The question is whether that progress is sustained this week.

The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 111 COVID-19 deaths on Saturday, but just 57 Sunday, bringing the state toll to 3,406. The 2,325 new cases reported Saturday and 1,656 Sunday brought the state total to 77,741.

The 429,984 tests conducted have produced 18 percent positives, but that number has been on a steady decline, as indicated by the 14 percent positive rate on Saturday and 12 percent on Sunday.

On Monday, state Sen. Michael Hastings of Frankfort, chairman of the Senate Energy Working Group, reported bipartisan support for the Illinois Commerce Commission to provide additional relief to utility customers struggling to pay bills in the coronavirus crisis. The 13-member panel called for delayed shutoffs, with a grace period set to last 60 days after the statewide stay-at-home order is eventually lifted, as well as delayed payments, including deferred plans spread out for as long as two years. The group also called for utilities to “send clear, concise information in a letter to customers with past-due account balances. They should outline customer payment options and other programs to offer financial assistance.”

“Our state has been thrown into chaos over the past two months, and our role as legislators is to step up and provide support that our constituents need in these uncertain times,” Hastings said in a statement. “I want to thank Sen. Sue Rezin, the Republican spokesperson, and the 11 other members of our working group for setting partisan squabbling (aside) to embrace these protections that will make a difference for Illinois consumers.

“We hope the ICC moves quickly to stand with us and give consumers the assurance the lights will be on as we all work to rebuild our lives and livelihoods.”

Gov. Pritzker resumes his daily coronavirus briefings Monday afternoon.