Currently, there are 93 individuals in 13 Illinois counties who have tested positive for COVID-19. Click here for a map of the affected counties and other resources from WILL’s Coronavirus Information Center.
Champaign County Woman Diagnosed With COVID-19
URBANA – Champaign County’s first confirmed case of COVID-19 is a woman in her fifties. She called the office of her primary physician’s office before going to Carle Hospital’s Emergency Department in Urbana to be checked out. Local public health officials announced the diagnosis on Sunday. The patient was not hospitalized, but was tested for COVID-19. She is now recovering in home isolation. – Jim Meadows, Illinois Newsroom
Danville City Buildings Shut Down For Two Weeks
DANVILLE – Danville city buildings will be closed to the public for the next two weeks, to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The closure affects Danville’s city hall, police and fire, public works and mass transit administration buildings. Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr. says city employees will report to work as usual, but public contact will be limited to phone and email. And since many businesses and vendors make payments and submit reports in person at Danville city buildings, any impending deadlines have been extended by 14 days. – Jim Meadows, Illinois Newsroom
Illinois Shuts Down Bars, Restaurants Due To Coronavirus
CHICAGO – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has ordered all bars and restaurants in the state to close to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. The Democratic governor said Sunday the closure will take effect Monday night and run through March 30. Officials in other parts of the country said they are considering similar restrictions after revelers ignored warnings against attending large gatherings. – Associated Press
Many State Workers May Telecommute Soon
SPRINGFIELD – Many state government workers in Illinois are being told to prepare to work from home. It’s another change to slow down the coronavirus spread. Governor J.B. Pritzker says plans are being made. “These changes will roll out over the coming days and state workers should expect communication from their agency directors shortly,” said Pritzker on Sunday. Pritzker also says some government functions could be reduced, but essential operations will continue. AFSCME, the state’s largest employee union, supports the move. The Governor says all employees will be paid during the period. – Sean Crawford, NPR Illinois
Illinois Primary Races For US House and Senate On Tuesday
CHICAGO — Competitive primaries for the House and Senate are being held across Illinois. Five Republicans are vying for the uphill battle of unseating U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, while U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski faces a strong primary challenge from small business owner Marie Newman and two others. Tuesday’s contest also features the only open congressional primary in Illinois. The impending retirement of U.S. Rep. John Shimkus has triggered a spirited primary in southeastern Illinois. Voters will also choose Republicans to face U.S. Reps. Sean Casten and Lauren Underwood in November. – Associated Press