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.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND CITY OF BLOOMINGTON APPEAL FOR PPE
5:19 p.m. Monday, March 23
The health department is calling on non-essential medical providers and businesses including nail salons and tattoo parlors to donate their personal protective equipment or PPEs to hospitals during the COVID-19 response.
The City of Bloomington said it is also taking donations of masks, gloves, and gowns for its Fire Department. Donors can contact Eric Davison at BFD to do so/find out more. edavison@cityblm.org
— Charlie Schlenker | WGLT
MCLEAN COUNTY REPORTS EIGHTH COVID-19 CASE
5:10 p.m. Monday, March 23
McLean County now has eight people with confirmed positive tests for the coronavirus. The latest case is a woman in her 60s. She has pre-existing health conditions and is hospitalized in good condition.
The county health department's Melissa Graven said the county is still in the early stages of virus spread, and the number of COVD-19 cases will likely increase sharply.
— Charlie Schlenker | WGLT
HY-VEE DROPS RETURNS AND RAIN CHECKS
5:02 p.m. Monday, March 23
Hy-Vee said it is dropping rain checks, refunds, and returns because of the pandemic as of Tuesday, March 24.
“The health and well-being of our customers and employees remain our highest priority,” said Randy Edeker, Hy-Vee chairman, CEO and president. “Because we can’t trace where our products go after they leave our store, we can no longer accept certain products for return. With this change, our customers can feel safe knowing that all products they purchase at their local Hy-Vee have been in our stores the entire time.”
Hy-Vee said it is dropping rain checks for now because certain high-volume items are hard to keep in stock.
— Charlie Schlenker | WGLT
TOWN OF NORMAL ASKS RESIDENTS TO HOLD OFF ON GARBAGE
3:08 p.m. Monday, March 23
The Town of Normal is asking residents to hold on to their garbage and recycling until they have full containers and to limit the bulky waste they put on the curb. That’s because the town is limiting crew sizes during the pandemic. The moves will speed up collection.
The Town will delay the usual springtime start of landscape waste collection until at least April 7.
— Charlie Schlenker | WGLT
