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.
CONNECT TRANSIT TO LIMIT BUSES TO A MAXIMUM OF 10 RIDERS
2:30 p.m. Friday, April 3
Due to an increase in nonessential trips, Connect Transit will limit the number of passengers in buses to a maximum of 10 in an effort to comply with social-distancing guidelines.
“We are all in this together and we need customers to only use Connect for essential travel,” said Isaac Thorne, Connect Transit general manager.
The new measures will go into effect Saturday. When a bus reaches capacity it will radio base to dispatch a paratransit bus to pick up passengers left along the route.
-- Cindy Hernandez | WGLT
SALVATION ARMY OFFERS FOOD ASSISTANCE FOR FAMILIES AFFECTED BY COVID-19
1:30 p.m. Friday, April 3
The Salvation Army of Bloomington is offering local food assistance for families amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since March 16, The Salvation Army Food Pantry has served nearly 1,000 people from 260 families, and 30% of the families were first-time visitors.
“Our focus will be in serving the long-term basic needs of our most vulnerable neighbors in the community,” said The Salvation Army's Dan Leisher.
The Salvation Army is currently accepting donations for rubber gloves, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, Styrofoam bowls, plastic spoons, bread and medical masks. Donations can be made at the Salvation Army of Bloomington website.
-- Cindy Hernandez | WGLT
NORMAL POLICE BEGIN NEIGHBORHOOD VISITS MONDAY
1 p.m. Friday, April 3
The Normal Police Department will be doing neighborhood drive-through parades starting Monday.
NPD officers will drive through neighborhoods to wave and offer words on encouragement to children. The department is encouraging children to create posters and signs to show the officers as they pass through.
On Monday, the parade will kick off at 12:30 p.m. at the Ironwood Subdivision, 1 p.m. at the Northfield Subdivision, 1:30 p.m. at North Bridge, 1:45 p.m. at Wintergreen and 2 p.m. at Pheasant Ridge.
Tuesday they will pass through North Meadow Village at 12:30 p.m., Northbrook/Orlando at 1 p.m., School/Rockingham at 1:15 p.m., Redbird Estates at 1:45 p.m. and Carriage Hills at 2:15 p.m.
On Wednesday the parade will begin at 12:30 p.m. at Collie Ridge, 12:45 p.m. at Pinehurst, 1:15 p.m. at Kelley Glenn, 1:30 p.m. at Tramore, and 1:45 p.m. at Savannah Green.
To find your neighborhood or subdivision visit Nextdoor.com.
-- Cindy Hernandez | WGLT
We’re living in unprecedented times when information changes by the minute. WGLT will continue to be here for you, keeping you up-to-date with the live, local and trusted news you need. Help ensure WGLT can continue with its in-depth and comprehensive COVID-19 coverage as the situation evolves by making a contribution.