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.
McLEAN COUNTY ADDS 1 COVID-19 CASE
12:15 p.m. Thursday, April 30
The McLean County Health Department announced one new COVID-19 case on Thursday, bringing the county's total to 95.
Four more patients have recovered, bringing that total to 84. Seven patients remain in home isolation and one patient is hospitalized. Thee patients have died.
Illinois announced 2,563 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, to bring the state's total to 52,918. The state announced 141 deaths, including a Peoria County man in his 70s and a Macon County man in his 60s. The state has had 2,355 deaths.
-- Eric Stock | WGLT
ISU PLANS FOR MANY POSSIBILITIES
11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 30
Illinois State University President Larry Dietz said the campus fully intends to welcome students back to campus in the fall. In a campuswide email Dietz touched on a range of options.
“Our careful planning in the coming weeks will ensure that we are prepared for a healthy and safe return to our new normal. That return will arrive with numerous precautions and guidelines to protect our campus community's health and safety, while complying with all national, state, and local health and safety directions,” said Dietz.
He said the administration will let affected faculty and staff know as soon as possible what will change.
The president said budgetary matters remain an unknown with less than two months to go until the start of a new fiscal year. Dietz said some other universities already are implementing layoffs and furlough days because of anticipated revenue and enrollment declines. ISU has not reached that critical position at this juncture, Dietz said.
“While the university will continue to plan for all budget scenarios, we remain strong and stable at this date. If we must make more austere financial decisions, I will communicate them to you as quickly as possible,” said Dietz.
Dietz did call for "conservative" spending approaches as the university enters an uncertain academic and fiscal year.
— Charlie Schlenker | WGLT
11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 30
OSF ST. JOSEPH MEDICAL CENTER TO REQUIRE MASKS FOR ALL
Staff, visitors, and even patients must wear masks starting May 4 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington, according to a news release.
“Wearing a mask over the nose and mouth helps to contain respiratory secretions and reduces the risk of spreading COVID-19. I wear a mask to protect you and you wear a mask to protect me,” said Lynn Fulton, president of OSF St. Joseph. “Masking is additional protection which will address asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission of the virus.”
If a personal mask is not available, a disposable mask will be provided, said OSF.
Patients will have to wear masks only while interacting with staff. There are exceptions for those under the age of two and those whose medical conditions make it difficult to wear a mask.
OSF St. Joseph visitor guidelines allow one essential visitor per patient to enter the building. Visitors will be screened at the Main Entrance, facing Washington Street for temperature and symptoms before going to patient rooms. Visitors should bring their own personal mask, if they have one.
— Charlie Schlenker | WGLT
11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 30
NORMAL LANDSCAPE WASTE COLLECTION TO BEGIN
Town of Normal Curbside Landscape Waste Collection will begin Monday, The pandemic had delayed the seasonal resumption of that service by a month. It runs until approximately Thanksgiving. The service is weekly on the regular collection day.
Landscape waste is organic yard or garden waste such as leaves and plant trimmings. Grass clippings, sod and dirt are excluded. These items may be disposed of at the Landscape Waste Drop-off site located at the Public Works facility at 1301 Warriner Street.
Sticks, bush trimmings and branches are not landscape waste and should be piled loose at the curb for brush collection.
— Charlie Schlenker | WGLT
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