(CHICAGO) – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced this afternoon, the first death of an Illinois resident who tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19).  The individual was a Chicago resident in her 60s who tested positive earlier this month and had contact with a known COVID-19 case.  It's believed the victim had a preexisting condition that was compounded when she became infected with the COVID-19.

"I am deeply saddened by the news that we've dreaded since the earliest days of this outbreak: the first COVID-19 related death in Illinois," said Governor JB Pritzker. "All of Illinois stands with this patient's family and loved ones in mourning her loss and honoring her memory. May her memory be a blessing. There are going to be moments during the next few weeks and months when this burden feels like it is more than we can bear – this is one of those moments, but we will get through this together.”