COVID-19

The graph shows the rolling, 7-day positivity rate for tests completed starting on June 1. Illinois Department of Public Health data was used to calculate the averages.

COVID-19 one-day death total of 14 is lowest since March 30

June 30, 2020

By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD – The seven-day rolling positivity rate for COVID-19 tests conducted remained at 2.7 percent Monday as the… Login to continue reading Login…

Second COVID-related death reported in Cass County

June 28, 2020

Virginia – The Cass County Health Department has reported the county’s second COVID-related death. A 92-year-old female, who was among those at a long… Login to continue reading Login…

Cass County poses a greater COVID risk than any other county in state

June 26, 2020

Cass County is the only county in the state that is currently indicating that it is at an increased risk of new COVID-19 infections,… Login to continue reading Login…

IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike speaks at a news conference in Chicago Thursday, one day before the state prepared to enter Phase 4 of reopening from COVID-19-related shutdowns. (Credit: Blueroomstream.com)

As state enters Phase 4 Friday, Pritzker ‘not afraid’ to move backwards if COVID-19 cases surge

June 26, 2020

By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD — Gov. JB Pritzker announced a new tool to track county-by-county progress in the fight against the novel… Login to continue reading Login…

COVID-19 forces wedding changes

June 24, 2020

Do you know that there were more than 50,000 weddings originally planned for April, May and June 2020, according to data from the wedding… Login to continue reading Login…

COVID-19 strikes Cass County nursing home

June 24, 2020

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has confirmed an outbreak of COVID-19 has occurred at a Cass County long-term care facility. The outbreak raised… Login to continue reading Login…

Illinois Education Superintendent Carmen Ayala talks about the reopening of Illinois schools to in-person instruction in the fall during a news conference Tuesday in Chicago. (Credit: blueroomstream.com)

Guidelines released for students to return to classroom

June 24, 2020

By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD — Illinois released new guidelines for schools, colleges and universities to return to in-person learning in the… Login to continue reading Login…

State releases Phase 4 guidance as hospitalization numbers continue to decline

June 23, 2020

By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD — Restaurants across the state are set to open for indoor dining Friday among other additions to… Login to continue reading Login…

FILE PHOTO: Gov. JB Pritzker and Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike get ready to begin a news conference May 21 in the governor's office at the Capitol in Springfield. (File photo by Justin L. Fowler of the State Journal-Register in Springfield)

Unemployment rate 15.2 percent in May; state on pace to enter Phase 4 on June 26

June 19, 2020

By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD — Illinois’ unemployment rate fell to 15.2 percent in May, according to the state Department of Employment… Login to continue reading Login…

Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, D-Maywood, speaks at a news conference Wednesday on the west side of Chicago as she joins Gov. JB Pritzker in unveiling $900 million in aid programs related to COVID-19 and property damage resulting from civil unrest. (Credit: Blueroomstream.com)

Pritzker announces $900 million in rent support, business relief

June 18, 2020

By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD — Gov. JB Pritzker announced Wednesday he will extend a moratorium on evictions in the state until… Login to continue reading Login…