1,222 New COVID-19 Cases & 74 New Deaths In Illinois
CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 1,222 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, and 74 additional deaths. Most deaths occurred in the Chicago area, But deaths were also reported in Sangamon and Tazewell Counties in central Illinois, Jackson and Monroe Counties in southern Illinois and Whiteside County in northern Illinois. Clay County in southeastern Illinois became the 88th Illinois county to report a COVID-19 case. Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced he is suspending laws that could allow garnishment or deductions from federal stimulus checks resulting from the federal CARES Act to pay off debts. The governor’s office says the move is to ensure that federal stimulus money can be used for food, shelter and transportation as intended. – Jim Meadows, Illinois Newsroom
Champaign-Urbana Dog Parks Close To Prevent Coronavirus Spread
CHAMPAIGN/URBANA – The region’s two dog parks are closing until further notice, because of coronavirus concerns. The parks, on West Windsor Road in Champaign and Perkins Road in Urbana, are being closed on the recommendation of local public health officials. The Champaign and Urbana Park Districts say the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District wants to prevent close gatherings of people where the virus can spread. The Champaign Park District suggests dog owners use public sidewalks and park paths to exercise their pets instead, but to remember to practice social distancing. Memberships for Champaign Dog Park patrons will be extended for the duration of the shutdown. – Jim Meadows, Illinois Newsroom
37 Immigrant Children At Chicago-Area Shelters Have COVID-19
CHICAGO — Officials say dozens of immigrant children living in three Chicago-area shelters have tested positive for COVID-19 and the number could increase as test results come back. The Chicago Tribune reports 37 of 69 children are positive. The Chicago-based Heartland Alliance runs the shelters where children in the custody of the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement are waiting to be released to a relative or legal guardian. Federal officials stopped placing children in states including New York because of concerns related to the coronavirus. Heartland officials say the children’s prognosis is “very good” and staff members are taking precautions. – Associated Press
Illinois COVID-19 Response Price Tag $174M, Records Show
SPRINGFIELD — Illinois taxpayers can follow the state’s spending on thwarting the coronavirus with an online database. State comptroller Susana Mendoza debuted the portal Tuesday. It shows that since Gov. JB Pritzker declared the COVID-19 pandemic a state disaster on March 9, officials have spent $174 million on medicine and protective equipment for health care workers to prevent transmission of the potentially deadly virus. Spending will be updated daily. As of Monday, 868 had died of complications related to COVID-19 among 23,247 cases of coronavirus infection. – Associated Press
Murder Suspect Recaptured After Escaping Illinois Jail
CARLINVILLE — A southern Illinois man charged with first-degree murder is back behind bars after escaping from the Macoupin County Jail in Carlinville,. William D. Kavanaugh was captured late Monday about 14 miles away in Shipman, Illinois. Sheriff Shawn Kahl on Tuesday says deputies located the 35-year-old Kavanaugh in a trailer home after receiving a tip. Kahl says Kavanaugh surrendered peacefully after deputies surrounded the trailer. The Belleville News-Democrat reports Kavanaugh is accused in the shooting death of a man on New Year’s Eve in 2015. – Associated Press