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.
DAVIS, DURBIN, DUCKWORTH PICKED FOR TASK FORCE
4:15 p.m. Thursday, April 16
U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth and Rep. Rodney Davis will serve on a bipartisan congressional task force that will advise the president on re-opening the economy.
"We still have work to do to stop the spread of this virus, but we need to think in positive terms of the day America once again will be open for business," Durbin said.
Durbin and Duckworth are Democrats. Davis is a Republican from Taylorville who represents parts of Bloomington-Normal.
Excited to be part of @POTUS bipartisan congressional task force to work on safely reopening our country and our economy. https://t.co/ABiXPyhy4k
— US Rep Rodney Davis (@RodneyDavis) April 16, 2020
— Ryan Denham | WGLT
TRAIL ADDS SOCIAL DISTANCING SIGNS
12:10 p.m. Thursday, April 16
Hikers and bikers along Constitution Trailwill notice new signs advising them to practice social distancing.
The advocacy group Friends of the Constitution Trail teamed with the Bloomington Rotary Club and the McLean County Health Department to create and post the signs.
“It seemed like a good idea to spread that message given the increase usage our trail is seeing," said Patrick Dullard, president of the advocacy group Friends of the Constitution Trail, adding one of the group’s members saw similar messaging on a trail system in Atlanta, Georgia.
“Our club felt it was important to get the word out to trail users that, while it is wonderful that it is spring, and we can be outside, we need to be fully aware of keeping our physical distance from each other," Bloomington Rotary Club Past President Jane Chamberlain said.
Fifty signs are placed throughout the trail network.
-- Eric Stock | WGLT
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