The coronavirus story is developing quickly in Illinois. Here are updates from WGLT's newsroom and our partners at Illinois Public Radio, NPR, and The Associated Press.
You can also see (or add to) our list of cancellations, closures, and rescheduled events. Find all of our coverage at WGLT.org/Coronavirus.
11TH CIRCUIT COURTS CLOSE TO ALL BUT URGENT CASES
5:45p.m. Sunday, March 15
Chief Circuit Judge Mark Fellheimer said Courts in Ford, Livingston, Logan, McLean and Woodford, counties will largely defer activity to a time the coronavirus is not a factor. Fellheimer said the only cases which will be heard will be criminal felonies, bond hearings, juvenile abuse/neglect, juvenile delinquency cases, petitions to rescind summary suspension and emergency hearings.
CASES REPORTED IN CHAMPAIGN, SANGAMON COUNTIES
4 p.m. Sunday, March 15
There are now confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Champaign and Sangamon counties, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported Sunday.
The IDPH is now reporting 93 total cases in 13 counties in Illinois. Cases have occurred in all age ranges, and the number of cases that do not have a clear connection to travel or a known COVID-19 case is increasing.
Learn more about the cases in Springfield, and the first case in Champaign County.
— Ryan Denham | WGLT
RESTAURANTS, BARS ORDERED CLOSED
3:45 p.m. Sunday, March 15
Gov. JB Pritzker on Sunday ordered bars and restaurants closed to the public from Monday, March 16, through March 30.
— Ryan Denham | WGLT
MORE TESTING FOR MCLEAN COUNTY?
11:15 a.m. Sunday, March 15
The McLean County Health Department said Sunday that less than 10 people here have been tested for the coronavirus, though that number could rise in the coming days.
That's because of new guidance for health care providers from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Its new "testing decision matrix" calls for testing if someone presents symptoms and also traveled to a high-risk area, or been in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient, or is at higher risk for complications, among other factors.
"There are currently no confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in McLean County," the McLean County Health Department said Sunday on Twitter. "Less than 10 tests have been submitted at this time, but this is an ever-evolving situation. ... We will likely see an increase in testing with the new guidance issued by the Illinois Dept. of Public Health (IDPH)."
There are currently no confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in McLean County. Less than 10 tests have been submitted at this time,but this is an ever-evolving situation. https://t.co/X7IfPOQvO5
— McLeanCountyHealth (@McLeanHealth) March 15, 2020
— Ryan Denham | WGLT
COUNTY NURSING HOME VISITOR RESTRICTIONS
11 a.m. Sunday, March 15
Federal guidance now restricts all visitors at the McLean County Nursing Home.
The only exception is under special circumstances such as end-of-life situations. People requesting exemptions must contact Administrator Cindy Wegner or Director of Nursing Dianne Cochran at (309) 888-5380.
The nursing home has access to phone, Skype, Facetime, etc., and will arrange virtual visits. Please contact Sharon Bounds at (309) 888-5380 if you would like to set this up.
"We place the health and safety of our residents first and apologize for any inconvenience," officials said on the nursing home webpage.
— Ryan Denham | WGLT
