The number of new COVID-19 infections has been steadily increasing for weeks and on Wednesday surpassed 5,000 for the first time in a 24-hour period since January, according to state health officials.
Stories by kristen thometz
Illinois to Require Insurance Coverage for Mental Health, Substance Use Disorders
Advocates: “Mental health care is health care.”
A new law in Illinois will require health insurers to cover medically necessary services and treatments for mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Advocates say the legislation comes at a critical moment and will help remove obstacles to such care.
The Last Word: Dion Dawson
The founder and executive director of Dion’s Chicago Dream talks about the importance of providing fresh, quality produce to fight food insecurity — and the lessons nonprofits should be learning from the pandemic.
Daily Illinois COVID-19 Cases Near 5,000 Amid Surge
The 4,942 new confirmed and probable cases of the virus reported Friday mark the highest single-day total since Jan. 23, when the state reported 5,152 cases.
CDC Identifies Source of Salmonella Outbreaks Linked to Italian-Style Meats
Health officials are advising people not to eat Fratelli Beretta brand prepackaged uncured antipasto trays, which have been linked to salmonella outbreaks that have sickened 36 people across the country.
Pritzker Issues Indoor Mask Mandate for All, Vaccine Requirement for Teachers
Governor: “We are running out of time as our hospitals run out of beds”
After a weekslong surge in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations, Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Thursday announced an indoor mask mandate for all Illinois residents and a vaccine requirement for pre-K through 12th grade teachers and staff, among others.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Aug. 26-29
Greek eats, house music, circus acts and retro tunes usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago.
Pritzker Warns ‘Significant’ COVID-19 Mitigations Could Return if Hospitalizations Keep Rising
As the COVID-19 surge continues across the state and more people are hospitalized by the virus, Gov. J.B. Pritzker warned new mitigations could be on the horizon.
Salmonella Outbreaks Linked to Italian-Style Meats: CDC
Federal health officials are investigating multistate salmonella outbreaks linked to Italian-style meats, including salami and prosciutto, that have sickened 36 people across the country, including four in Illinois.
Suburban Cook County Brings Back Indoor Mask Mandate
Starting Monday, everyone in suburban Cook County, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear a mask indoors, officials announced Friday.
Illinois Records Nearly 5,000 Cases for First Time Since January
The number of new COVID-19 infections has been steadily increasing over the past month and on Friday neared 5,000 for the first time in a 24-hour period since January, according to state health officials.
City Health Officials: Opioid-Related Deaths Dropped in First Half of 2021
Chicago public health officials reported 467 opioid-related deaths in January through June 2021, compared with 573 during the first six months of 2020 — an 18.5% decrease. About 90% of the incidents involved fentanyl, officials said.
Advocates: Providing Free Feminine Hygiene Products to the Homeless a ‘Step in the Right Direction’
A new Illinois law will make feminine hygiene products available for free at homeless shelters. Advocates say the legislation spotlights an often-overlooked issue, but they’re calling for funding to “put some teeth behind it.”
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Aug. 19-22
Acrobatic airplanes, colorful murals, street festivals and a floating river party usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
COVID-19 Etiquette: Face Masks
How do you ask someone to put on a face mask? And how do you tell them if they’re wearing it incorrectly? We asked a trio of experts for advice.
COVID-19 Etiquette: Out and About
How do you ask someone to give you more space in the checkout line? Or tell your boss you don’t feel comfortable returning to the office? We asked a trio of experts for advice as part of our series.
COVID-19 Etiquette: Vaccines
How do you ask someone if they have been vaccinated? Or tell an unvaccinated family member they can’t come to your dinner party? We asked a trio of experts for advice.
Illinois Now Has a COVID-19 Vaccine Verification System
Illinois residents ages 18 and older no longer need to worry about carrying their COVID-19 vaccine cards with them to provide proof of inoculation against the virus.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Aug. 12-15
A back-to-school parade, street festivals, horse races and a scavenger hunt usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
Illinois Records More than 3,000 COVID-19 Cases for 1st Time Since May
The number of new COVID-19 infections has been steadily increasing over the past few weeks and on Thursday reached its highest single-day total in two months, according to Illinois Department of Public Health data.
Pritzker Signs Legislation Increasing Access to Feminine Hygiene Products
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation Thursday that makes feminine hygiene products available for free at homeless shelters and at public universities and community colleges throughout Illinois.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Aug. 5-8
Asian carp, jam bands, a garden walk and vintage finds usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
Another Somber Pandemic Milestone: 11,000 COVID-19 Deaths in Cook County
Cook County officials said every hospitalization and death at this point “is entirely preventable” and again urged residents to roll up their sleeves. “Please, get vaccinated,” said Cook County Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Ponni Arunkumar. “You will make a difference.”
Arwady: COVID-19 Cases Are on the Rise, But Not Because of Lollapalooza
COVID-19 infections are again rising in Chicago following Lollapalooza, which drew hundreds of thousands of people to Grant Park last weekend. But the city’s top doctor says the four-day event is not to blame.
Cook County Man Develops 1st Known Case of West Nile Virus in Illinois This Year
A Cook County man in his 80s who became ill in mid-June is the first person known to have contracted the West Nile virus in Illinois this year, according to state health officials.
Cook County Providing Free Rides to COVID-19 Vaccination Sites
Cook County residents, including Chicagoans, can now get a free ride to a nearby vaccination site, thanks to the new “Destination: Vaccination” program.
