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.
ILLINOIS EXPANDS SNAP BENEFITS
6:15 p.m. Friday, March 27
Gov. JB Pritzker announced the Illinois Department of Human Services will be expanding SNAP benefits. The expansion will result in almost $80 million more for Illinois families.
“We at IDHS want all eligible people to receive these life-altering and life-sustaining benefits and I want the publish to know these temporary benefit increases are designed to help more families withstand the extraordinary pressures many are facing during this emergency,” said Grace Hou, IDHS secretary.
SNAP feeds nearly 900,000 Illinois households and feeds over 1.7 million people. Those eligible for SNAP include low-income seniors, people with disabilities and working families.
– Cindy Hernandez | WGLT
IPCF ESTABLISHES COVID-19 RESPONSE FUND
5:57 p.m. Friday, March 27
The Illinois Prairie Community Foundation has established a COVID-19 Response Fund to support local nonprofits that serve populations who have been impacted by the coronavirus.
Any funds given to IPCF from federal or state government agencies will be deposited to the COVID-19 Response Fund.
“Our local nonprofits are the boots on the ground in times of crisis and they know better than anyone where the needs are and how to provide for their clients,” said Greg Meyer, executive director of IPCF.
To donate to the IPCF COVID-19 Response Fund, visit the IPCF webpage.
– Cindy Hernandez | WGLT
DIETZ: FEW GLITCHES IN FIRST WEEK OF ONLINE COURSES
5:45 p.m. Friday, March 27
In a letter sent to the Illinois State University campus, President Larry Dietz said there were fewer glitches than anticipated at the end of the first week of online instructional courses.
Dietz thanked students and staff for their patience and flexibility as the university continues its transition to follow state orders.
“If all of us are able to persevere with a spirit of collaboration and respect, I promise we will emerge from this extraordinary crisis even stronger than we are today,” said Dietz.
Dietz said that while Illinois remains under Gov. Pritzker’s “Stay at Home” order the university will maintain on-campus services with essential employees only. All other employees will continue working from home.
– Cindy Hernandez | WGLT
CONNECT TRANSIT EXTENDS FREE FARES
5:36 p.m. Friday, March 27
Connect Transit has extended the suspension of fare collection on all services until April 14.
“I want to thank all of the Connect employees for their extraordinary work during this crisis to provide transportation to our community,” said Connect Transit General Manager Isaac Thorne. “I also want to thank our customers for being patient with us.. I know that customers and community need Connect Transit services now more than ever.”
The customer service area of the Administration building will continue to be closed to the public until April 14.
– Charlie Schlenker | WGLT
PRITZKER MOBILIZES MORE NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS
5:36 p.m. Friday, March 27
Gov. JB Pritzker has activated about 65 additional Illinois National Guard soldiers and airmen in support of COVID-19 response operations.
Approximately 50 soldiers from the 3637th Maintenance Company, based in Springfield, will assist with logistics, administrative and safety procedures at an Illinois Department of Public Health COVID-19 testing site at the McLean County Fairgrounds in Bloomington. Medical support for the site will be provided by the Peoria-based 182nd Airlift Wing Medical Group, drawing from the wing's medical professionals who were previously activated.
– Charlie Schlenker | WGLT
AMEREN PREPS FOR RESPONSE TO POTENTIAL SEVERE WEATHER
5:36 p.m. Friday, March 27
The threat for severe weather this weekend is high. Ameren Illinois said crews and vegetation personnel are on alert and prepared to respond to potential power outages. The Emergency Operations Center for Ameren is also prepped. Ameren field crews and response personnel are taking precautions to mitigate coronavirus risk. Preventive actions, such as social distancing and use of protective eyewear and gloves, are being implemented.
– Charlie Schlenker | WGLT
KROGER HIRES MORE THAN 23,500 WORKERS AFTER BUSINESSES CLOSE
5:26 p.m. Friday, March 27
Kroger hired more than 23,500 workers nationwide after businesses closed due to COVID-19. Several of those hired included people that worked in restaurants, hotels and food service distributors.
“During this time of uncertainty, Kroger is committed to remain a constant,” said Tim Massa, Kroger’s senior vice president and chief people officer. “We have a responsibility to our associates, customers and communities and we will continue to be here … for any need.”
Kroger plans to hire an additional 20,000 workers over the next several weeks. Those interested in a job can apply online at jobs.kroger.com.
– Cindy Hernandez | WGLT
IDPH ANNOUNCES 488 NEW CASES STATEWIDE
4:13 p.m. Friday, March 27
The IDPH announces 488 new cases of coronavirus statewide, including eight deaths. More than 85% of the deaths were among patients 60 years of age or older.
Illinois cases now total 3,026 cases, including 34 deaths in 40 counties. The age of people infected ranges from younger than one to 99 years.
For health questions about COVID-19, call the hotline at 1-800-889-3831 or email dhp.sick@illinois.gov.
– Cindy Hernandez | WGLT
DRIVE-UP TESTING SITE WILL OPEN
12 p.m. Friday, March 27
Certain health care workers, first responders, seniors, and those with underlying conditions will soon have access to a drive-up COVID-19 testing site in west Bloomington.
The testing site will be located at the McLean County Fairgrounds, near the Interstate Center. It's unclear which day the testing site will open. Once it does, it will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, or until the daily allotment of tests has been exhausted.
— Ryan Denham | WGLT
MCLEAN COUNTY CASES NOW TOTAL 10
9:10 a.m. Friday, March 27
There are now ten people with confirmed COVID-19 tests in McLean County, the health department said Friday.
One new case announced Friday is a woman in her 60s. She is currently hospitalized in intensive care. The other is a female in her 80s, also in the ICU.
Over 150 tests have been provided as of midday Friday, according to the McLean County Health Department. Of those, 104 were negative, and 37 were pending. Four people are hospitalized. There has been one death.
Supply issues mean access to testing remains limited in McLean County.
— Ryan Denham | WGLT
