As the U.S. economy has slowed due to the coronavirus threat, 3.3 million Americans filed for unemployment only weeks after an especially robust job market. These numbers are significantly worse than previous downturns, even in the aftermath of the 2008 market crash. Meanwhile, in the Midwest, hospitals and healthcare workers prepared for a spike in cases by scrambling for masks, ventilators and other equipment.
Here’s more news from the Midwest:
Indiana:
- There are over 600 cases, and 17 deaths statewide.
- Gov. Holcomb says Indiana’s economy will bounce back with federal assistance.
Iowa:
- Gov. Kim Reynolds says Iowa has about 280 ventilators available. The state is seeking more supplies as the pandemic worsens.
- The Iowa National Guard delivers personal protective equipment.
Illinois;
- Roughly 14,000 people in Illinois have been tested for coronavirus, but public health officials say there are likely many more people exposed.
- Advocates and correctional officials are calling on the state to release youth from juvenile detention facilities amid the pandemic.
Kentucky:
- There are nearly 200 confirmed cases of the virus in Kentucky, and five deaths.
- The state legislature returns today, and the governor asks them to quickly pass the budget bill and avoid controversial measures.
Missouri:
- Gov. Mike Parson filed a request with the president for approval of a “major disaster declaration.”
- St. Louis medical staff say they don’t have enough personal protective equipment to stay safe.
- Missouri has over 350 cases, and eight deaths from the virus.
Ohio
- There are over 10 deaths and 700 confirmed cases in Ohio.
- The Ohio legislature unanimously voted in favor of a bill to change Ohio’s primary date.
As the case count continues to rise, information on this story is moving quickly and may be out-of-date. We recommend checking the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for ways to stay safe and this John Hopkins tool for the most recent data.
This story was produced by Side Effects Public Media, a news collaborative covering public health.
