On 1-Month Anniversary Of Disaster Proclamation, 1,344 New COVID-19 Cases In Illinois
CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 1,344 new cases of COVID-19 in Illinois Thursday, including 66 additional deaths. One of the deaths, a man in his 60s, occurred in Effingham County in central Illinois. The total of COVID-19 cases in Illinois has reached 16,422, with cases reported in 81 of Illinois’ 102 counties. 528 people have died. – Jim Meadows, Illinois Newsroom
Virus Prompts Cook County To Open Warehouse To Store Bodies
CHICAGO — The Illinois county that includes Chicago is preparing for a likely surge in the number of coronavirus deaths by adding places where bodies can be stored. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s office says that a 66,000-square-foot refrigerated warehouse that could store more than 2,000 bodies will be open by the end of the day Thursday. The county has also acquired 14 refrigerated trailers to take bodies if hospital morgues become overwhelmed by the number of deaths. Preckwinkle says that while she hopes the additional space for bodies won’t be necessary, it is important to prepare for a likely surge. The state says Cook County has 351 Covid-19-related deaths. – Associated Press
Jobless Claims Up Again In Illinois, 200K Another New Record
SPRINGFIELD — Unemployment claims in Illinois jumped nearly 13% last week, with 201,041 new claims largely attributable to the spread of the coronavirus. The jump in Illinois, breaking a record set just a week earlier at 178,421, comes as new claims nationally dipped slightly, according to the Labor Department. State officials increased the number by 101 from an earlier federal estimate. Nationally, new claims totaled 6.6 million, a dip of 3.8% from the previous week, the Labor Department said. The coronavirus prompted Gov. J.B. Pritzker to close “non-essential” businesses, starting with bars and restaurants, on March 21, putting tens of thousands of people out of work. – Associated Press
Mayors Ask Faithful To Celebrate Holy Week Celebrations At Home
CHAMPAIGN/URBANA – It’s traditional for families, friends and the faithful to gather together around Passover, Easter and Ramadan. But the mayors of Champaign and Urbana are asking people to avoid such gatherings, in order to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Champaign Mayor Deb Feinen says local residents are doing a good job of staying home and avoiding crowds that could increase the number of COVID-19 infections. “And particularly in the wake of the second death in Champaign County, we think it’s really important for our community to continue to stay at home unless they are out for essential reasons,” said Feinen. Feinen and Urbana Mayor Diane Marlin urged the community to continue physical distancing through the holidays, in a letter to the community released Thursday. – Jim Meadows, Illinois Newsroom