This post is for news on the local response to the coronavirus in Springfield and Central Illinois. For last week's updates, go to this post.
You can send tips, questions or announcements to engage@nprillinois.org.
Illinois remains under a stay-at-home order to stem the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. The Illinois Department of Public Health tracks the numberof confirmed cases and deaths related to the disease, as well as hospital capacity and testing capacity.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no vaccine to prevent the disease. The CDC has tips on how to protect yourself.
May 25, 2:30 p.m.
IDPH Medical Update for Monday
The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 1,713 new cases on Monday with 31 additional deaths. Overall, the state has confirmed 112,017 cases since the pandemic began. 4,884 people diagnosed with COVID-19 have died. Within the past 24 hours, laboratories have reported 21,643 specimens for a total of 769,564. The statewide seven day rolling positivity rate for May 16-22 is 12-percent.
May 24, 5:45 p.m.
Business Reopening Guidelines
The Prtizker Adminsitration has released specific rulesthat allow for the safe reopening of businesses in Phase 3, which could take effect as soon as Friday.
May 24, 5:20 p.m.
Central Illinois Report
One additional person has been confirmed to have COVID-19. The total number of Sangamon County residents who have been diagnosed is 336, with many having recovered. The number of deaths in the county is 28. Currently, ten positive Sangamon County residents are hospitalized.
The Macon County Health Department reported the 19th person in the county with COVID-19 has died. The victim was a man in his 60s. There were no new cases on Sunday, leaving the county's overall count at 185.
May 24, 5:00 p.m.
Statewide Update
The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 2,508 new cases Sunday with 67 additional deaths. Overall, the state has confirmed 110,304 cases since the pandemic began. 4,856 people diagnosed with COVID-19 have died. Within the past 24 hours, laboratories have reported 25,674 specimens for a total of 747,921. The statewide seven day rolling positivity rate for May 15-21 is 12-percent.
May 23, 5:15 p.m.
Sangamon County Medical Update for Saturday
The Sangamon County Department of Public Health reports one new positive case of COVID-19. The total number of Sangamon County residents with confirmed cases is 335, including 28 deaths. Currently, ten confirmed positive Sangamon County residents are hospitalized.
May 23, 3:15 p.m.
Saturday’s IDPH Medical Update
The Illinois Department of Public Health reports 2,352 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, for a total of 107,796 cases in the state since the beginning of the pandemic. To date, 722,247 tests have been processed, with 25,114 tests in the past day. The statewide seven-day rolling positivity rate (May 14-20) is 13%.
Over the past 24 hours, there have been 75 additional deaths, bringing the total number of fatalities to 4,790.
May 22, 5:45 p.m.
Sangamon County Medical Update
The Sangamon County Department of Public Health reports two new positive cases of COVID-19. The total number of Sangamon County residents with confirmed cases is 334, including 28 deaths. Currently, ten confirmed positive Sangamon County residents are hospitalized.
May 22, 3:00 p.m.
Menard County Courthouse Will Reopen June 1st
The Menard County Sheriff's Office has announced that, beginning June 1st, the Menard County Courthouse will resume normal operations from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Individuals entering the courthouse will be screened upon arrival and are asked to wear a mask. Masks will be available should an individual not have one.
The elected officials and department heads of Menard County ask that all non-essential business be handled remotely if possible, via phone or email. A drop-box for payments is available outside the north door of the courthouse. Both court fees and property tax payments can be deposited in this box.
It is anticipated that the circuit court will resume normal business in the near future as well, at the direction of the Chief Judge of the 8th Judicial Circuit.
May 22, 2:45 p.m.
Friday’s IDPH Medical Update
The Illinois Department of Public Health reports 2,758 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, for a total of 105,444 cases in the state since the beginning of the pandemic. To date, 697,133 tests have been processed, with 25,113 tests in the past day. The statewide seven-day rolling positivity rate (May 13-19) is 13%.
The number of patients hospitalized with the disease was 3,928 as of midnight last night. Of those, 1,060 (27%) were in Intensive Care and 554 (14%) on ventilators.
Over the past 24 hours, there have been 110 additional deaths, bringing the total number of fatalities to 4,715.
May 22, 1:00 p.m.
Springfield Muni Postpones 2020 Season
The not-for-profit theater organization said this week safety concerns have prompted the season to be called off. The staff and casts will be back in 2021, according to an announcement. Season passes for this year will be honored next season. This will mark the first year without Muni performances since 1963.
May 22, 12:50 p.m.
Chatham Sweet Corn Festival Canceled
COVID-19 has forced the Chatham Jayceesto call of the popular Sweet Corn Festival for this year. This would have been the 47th annual event. The organizers point out the festival is a major fundraiser for them and other local groups.
May 21, 6:45 p.m.
Central Illinois Medical Update for Thursday
The Sangamon County Department of Public Health reports three new positive cases of COVID-19. The total number of Sangamon County residents with confirmed cases is 332, including 28 deaths. Currently, nine confirmed positive Sangamon County residents are hospitalized.
In Macon County, there have been five newly-confirmed cases of COVID-19. The overall number of cases in Macon County is 179, which includes 17 deaths.
Morgan County reports a total of 63 confirmed cases since the beginning of the pandemic, including 1 death.
Cass County reports a total of 115 confirmed cases, Logan county 10 cases, DeWitt County 422 cases, and Piatt County 435 cases.
May 21, 3:00 p.m.
IDPH Medical Update - Greatest Number of Daily Tests Processed So Far
The Illinois Department of Public Health reports 2,268 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, for a total of 102,686 cases in the state since the beginning of the pandemic. To date, 672,020 tests have been processed, with over 29,000 tests in the past day, which is the highest daily total so far. The statewide seven-day rolling positivity rate (May 12-18) is 14%.
4,107 patients are currently hospitalized with the disease. Of those, 1,088 (26%) are in Intensive Care and 609 (14%) on ventilators.
Over the past 24 hours, there have been 87 additional deaths, bringing the total number of fatalities to 4,607.
May 20, 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday's Sangamon County Dept. of Public Health Update
The Sangamon County Department of Public Health has announced six new positive cases of COVID-19. The total number of Sangamon County residents with confirmed cases is 329, including 28 deaths. Currently, nine confirmed positive Sangamon County residents are hospitalized.
May 20, 5:30 p.m.
Enforcement of Stay-At-Home Order
Governor J.B. Pritzker has withdrawn an emergency rule that would have subjected businesses opening in violation of the state’s stay-at-home order to a misdemeanor.
But now lawmakers could consider a different approach for enforcement. Democratic Senator Bill Cunningham of Chicago says he is working on legislation that would include fines for those business owners who ignore restrictions.
The governor says if lawmakers don’t follow through, he’ll introduce a new emergency rule.
May 20, 5:00 p.m.
SNAP Recipients Will Be Allowed to Buy Online
Governor Pritzker’s office announced today that food stamp recipients will soon be able to make purchases online. The new program was approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and will be available June 2nd to the 1.8 million Illinoisans who rely on food stamps.
Link card users will automatically have access to online ordering, but can still choose to shop in-person if they prefer. Online ordering will become a permanent part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP. Illinois joins more than 30 other states in offering online SNAP purchases. The program was expanded due to the pandemic.
Walmart and Amazon have signed on to participate in Illinois. The USDA is working to include more independent retailers.
May 20, 4:45 p.m.
Restaurants Will Be Allowed To Offer Outdoor Dining
Illinois restaurants could host customers with outdoor seating arrangements in the next week. Governor J.B. Pritzker ordered the establishments to only allow curbside and delivery service as a way to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Now, the governor is offering a new option. He says outdoor seating with patrons kept at least six feet apart and having servers wear masks will be allowed as the state prepares to move into a new reopening phase May 29th.
The earliest date that indoor dining would be allowed is still more than a month away.
May 20, 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday's IDPH Medical Update
The Illinois Department of Public Health reports 2,388 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, for a total of 100,418 cases in the state since the beginning of the pandemic. To date, 642,713 tests have been processed, with just over 21,000 tests in the past day. The statewide seven-day rolling positivity rate (May 11-17) is 14%.
The number of patients hospitalized with the disease was 3,914 as of midnight. Of those, 1,005 (25%) were in Intensive Care and 554 (5%) on ventilators.
Over the past 24 hours, there have been 147 deaths, bringing the total number of fatalities to 4,525.
May 19, 6:00 p.m.
Central Illinois Case Update
Public officials in Macon County reported two new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 172 confirmed cases in the county with 17 deaths.
Logan County is reporting no new cases today, leaving the total at 10 confirmed cases with zero deaths.
Morgan County is also reporting zero new cases, for a total of 34 confirmed cases in the county, including one death.
Christian County and Montgomery County are also reporting zero new cases. The total confirmed cases in Christian County is 33 with four deaths while the total in Montgomery County is 39 with one death.
May 19, 5:20 p.m.
Sangamon County Case Update
Public officials reported another new death in the county - a female resident at Villas Senior Care Community in her 80’s. The victim tested positive for the virus back in April. The total number of people with confirmed cases from the Senior Care Community stands at 108, including 23 deaths.
Officials also reported five new positive cases in the county, bringing the total number of people who tested positive to 323, including 28 deaths.
May 19, 3:50 p.m.
Guidance For Businesses Reopening
The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce is issuing guidance for how local businesses can begin to reopen during the pandemic.
Through their resources webpage, business owners can learn useful tips for promoting a safe work environment for customers and employees alike. Business owners can also purchase PPE for their employees through this link.
May 19, 3:00 p.m.
IDPH Number Update
The state Department of Public Health announced 1,545 new positive cases with 146 additional deaths.
Illinois is reporting a collective 98,030 cases, including 4,379 deaths so far in 100 counties.
26,565 COVID-19 tests were completed in the last day across the state, for a total of 621,684 so far. The statewide 7-day rolling positivity rate for COVID-19 tests is 14 percent.
May 18, 6:00 p.m.
One New Case In Sangamon County
The total number of Sangamon County residents with confirmed cases is now 319, including 27 deaths. Due to an error, two positive results that were first reported last week will no longer be included in the county totals. Currently, eight confirmed positive residents are hospitalized.
May 18, 5:30 P.M.
Area Update
One additional person with COVID-19 was announced in Christian County Monday, raising the county's overall total to 33 with four deaths.
Cass County has 65 people confirmed with COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. Of those, 34 have recovered.
May 18, 3:00 p.m.
Statewide Numbers
On Monday, Illinois announced 2,294 more people have the coronavirus disease, including 59 additional deaths. The total number of cases stands at 96,485, including 4,234 deaths in 100 counties in Illinois.
Within the past 24 hours, laboratories have reported 21,297 specimens for a total of 603,241. The statewide seven day rolling positivity rate, May 9-15, is 14-percent.
May 17, 4:30 p.m.
Area Update
The Sangamon County Department of Public Health said another resident of The Villas with COVID-19 died. The patient was a female in her 80s who tested positive April 26. She is the 22nd person at the facility to die after having been confirmed with the disease. A total of 62 residents and 46 staff have teted positive. Currently, none are hospitalized.
Overall in Sangamon County, six more people have been diagnosed bringing the total to 320. The number of county deaths stand at 27.
Cass County has confirmed a total of 64 individuals with COVID-19, with 34 of those having recovered.
Macon County reports two more confirmations, bringing the overall total to 166. Greene County Health Department said Sunday all cases in the county are now considered recovered.
May 17, 4:10 p.m.
Latest State Numbers
The Illinois Department of Public Health Sunday announced 1,734 additional people were diagnosed with the coronavirus disease. The latest numbers show 51 more deaths for a total of 4,177 since the pandemic began. COVID-19 has been found in 100 of the state's 102 counties.
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