For 2nd straight day, state reports 6 COVID-19 deaths

Illinois health officials Monday announced six additional coronavirus deaths and 614 new cases.

It was the second consecutive day in which the state announced six deaths — the lowest one-day total since March 25.

The numbers through the first days of July mirror the very beginning of the pandemic that has so far cost Illinois 7,026 lives. The state’s first COVID-19 death occurred March 16.

The announcement of 614 new cases Monday brings the total number of confirmed cases in Illinois to 147,865. The vast majority of COVID-19 patients have recovered.

The state’s positivity rate over the past week is about 2.6%.

Neighboring Wisconsin and Indiana have seen case numbers and positivity rates tick up slightly over the past week.

But Illinois continues to see encouraging results in terms of reducing the spread and impact of the virus within its borders.