Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has teamed up with his counterparts in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana and Kentucky on a coordinated effort to reopen local economies as they work to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.
Stories by kristen thometz
Pritzker Forecasts $2.7 Billion Budget Gap Because of COVID-19
New statewide totals: 24,593 cases, 948 deaths
The novel coronavirus has closed schools, restaurants, bars and businesses throughout the state, and on Wednesday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker revealed how the pandemic will cause a $2.7 billion shortfall this year and a $4.6 billion shortfall next year.
Pritzker: ‘We are in Fact Bending the Curve’
New statewide totals: 23,247 cases, 868 deaths
Gov. J.B. Pritzker says the state of Illinois is making strides in its fight against the novel coronavirus, pointing Tuesday to key metrics that show “a deceleration of virus transmission.”
As Unemployment Claims Soar, Pritzker Outlines Efforts to Meet Demand
New statewide totals: 22,025 cases, 794 deaths
Between March 1 and April 4, the state received 513,173 initial unemployment claims, surpassing the total number of claims filed in 2019, according to Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
CDC Study Shows How Virus Spreads, Stresses Need for Social Distancing
Sharing a meal, attending a funeral and celebrating a birthday. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, these otherwise innocuous activities can result in the spread of the highly contagious virus, according to a new report.
Pritzker: Unlikely Stay-at-Home Order Will be Lifted Early
New statewide totals: 16,422 cases, 528 deaths
Data may show the number of COVID-19 cases in Illinois is growing at a slower pace than some projections had forecast, but Gov. J.B. Pritzker said his stay-at-home order will remain in place through the end of the month.
Pritzker Details State’s Plan to Reach 10,000 COVID-19 Tests Per Day
New statewide totals: 15,078 cases, 462 deaths
More than 75,000 people in Illinois have so far been tested for COVID-19, according to state health officials, and more than 6,000 tests are being conducted each day. But Gov. J.B. Pritzker had hoped to test thousands more by now.
As COVID-19 Deaths Rise, Pritzker Orders 3,620 Ventilators
Governor thanks California for loaning 100 ventilators to state, vows to ‘pay it forward’
The state of Illinois surpassed a grim milestone it set less than a week ago: the largest single-day jump in deaths. Statewide, 380 people have now died from COVID-19 and 13,549 have tested positive for the virus.
Lightfoot: COVID-19 Executive Order Protecting Immigrants Reflects City’s Values
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot signed an executive order Tuesday ensuring all residents regardless of citizenship status have equal access to COVID-19 aid programs, saying the order is “statement of our values as a city and as Americans.”
Pritzker Slams Federal Government, Touts Illinois’ Efforts to Acquire Protective Gear
Officials urge people to stay inside, attend virtual religious services
Illinois has only received a fraction of the personal protective equipment it requested from the federal government. “It’s our own state procurement initiative that’s making a difference” in the fight against COVID-19, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Monday.
It’s Official: Chicagoan Jenny Doan Sets New World Record for Hula-Hooping
The Wicker Park resident hula hooped for 100 hours last fall, hoping to set a new world record and raising nearly $5,000 for the nonprofit Mental Health America along the way. “It’s a big relief,” the 29-year-old said.
Chicago Athletes, Lightfoot Urge Folks to Stay Home: ‘We Are Not Playing’
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is joining forces with the city’s professional sports teams to encourage people to stay home amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “They’re not playing and neither are we,” Lightfoot said.
Pritzker Launches ‘All in Illinois’ Initiative to Encourage Folks to Stay Home
With COVID-19 cases rising in Illinois, Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he has taken every action possible to stop the spread of the virus. “Now the rest is up to you,” he said Thursday afternoon.
Grocery Shopping Tips in the Age of COVID-19
How much food should you be buying per trip? How to draw the line between hoarding and stocking up? A Chicago dietitian shares her advice for grocery shopping during the pandemic.
21-Year Chicago Police Veteran Dies of COVID-19
Officer Marco DiFranco, 50, has died of the novel coronavirus, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and interim Police Superintendent Charlie Beck announced Thursday.
Pritzker: Consider Illinois’ Future and ‘Take 10 Minutes’ for Census
Governor, Chicago mayor also announce arts relief fund
Amid a global pandemic that has grown to include 6,980 cases in Illinois and 141 deaths, Gov. J.B. Pritzker is calling on Illinois residents to think about the future on National Census Day.
Pritzker Extends Illinois’ Stay-at-Home Order to April 30
The expected three-week extension of the governor’s order mirrors a move Sunday by President Donald Trump to lengthen social distancing guidelines to April 30. Illinois now has 5,994 COVID-19 cases, and 99 deaths.
Preckwinkle: Cook County Jail is a ‘Petri Dish’ for COVID-19
More than 150 people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Cook County Jail. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said the situation poses the “biggest health problem in the county.”
McCormick Place to Be Transformed into 3,000-Bed COVID-19 Care Center
A portion of the convention center will become an alternate care center for patients with mild symptoms of the novel coronavirus, according to Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Chicago Animal Shelters Take Adoptions Online During Pandemic
Animal shelters are offering innovative ways to adopt pets during the statewide stay-at-home order. We reach out to two Chicago shelters to find out how the pandemic is changing their operations – but not their missions.
Pritzker Calls on Health Care Workers to Sign Up for Emergency Alert System
There are 3,026 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Illinois, officials said Friday, and Gov. J.B. Pritzker is urging licensed health care professionals to join an alert system for urgent needs. “Your fellow Illinoisans need you. Your state needs you,” he said.
Pritzker Announces COVID-19 Relief Fund as Cases Soar to 2,538
Illinois health officials on Thursday reported the largest single-day jump in COVID-19 cases in the state – 673 – surpassing a record set just a day earlier.
Pritzker Moves Illinois Tax Deadline to July 15 to Alleviate COVID-19 Burden
In a move aimed at softening the economic impact of the novel coronavirus, Illinoisans will have an additional three months to file their state taxes. Gov. J.B. Pritzker made the announcement as the state reported it’s largest single-day jump in COVID-19 cases.
Here’s What to Do if You Think You Have Coronavirus, Even if You’re Uninsured
People without health insurance can receive care if they think they have the novel coronavirus, and no patient will be turned away because of inability to pay, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health.
Pritzker Outlines Worst-Case Scenario as COVID-19 Cases Reach 1,535
While the number of COVID-19 cases in Illinois is rising, hospitals across the state are meeting the demand for beds and ventilators. But on Tuesday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker outlined what could have happened without preventive measures to slow the spread of the virus.
Pritzker Launches Task Force to Secure Medical Supplies as COVID-19 Cases Rise
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has launched a task force to ramp up production of personal protective equipment, or PPE. Meanwhile, cases in Illinois grew Monday to a total of 1,285, with 12 deaths.
