New data released by Illinois health officials on Friday show that COVID-19’s toll on the state’s nursing homes continues unabated, with a reported 625 deaths, more than double the 286 last week.
That means coronavirus deaths in nursing homes make up more than a third of Illinois’ 1,795 deaths as of Friday, according to a WBEZ analysis of state health data.
The latest data also show that the number of reported nursing home cases of coronavirus more than doubled from 1,860 cases last week to nearly 4,300 this week. Those numbers include both nursing home residents and staff.
Map: Nursing Home COVID-19 Cases and Deaths
Earlier this month, WBEZ reported that nursing home deaths accounted for a quarter of coronavirus deaths, prompting the state to release facility-level data.
On Friday, WBEZ also reported issues raised by workers at several Chicago nursing homes. Workers there alleged that facilities suffer from staffing shortages, inadequate personal protective equipment, as well as conduct that violated state health guidelines.
Alden Terrace of McHenry County has the most number of coronavirus cases with 99, and 3 deaths, according to the new data. That is slightly higher than Symphony of Joliet in Will County, which had 96 cases, but 26 deaths – the most nursing home fatalities in the state.
Last week, state health officials said they were closely monitoring nursing homes, and requiring additional precautions and safety measures for staff and residents as they’ve become the “hot zones” in Illinois’ battle against the pandemic.
Elliott Ramos is WBEZ’s data editor. Follow him @ChicagoEl.
