Illinois COVID-19 Cases Top 15,000
URBANA – The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 1,529 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 across the state Wednesday, including 82 additional deaths. Those deaths included Macon County’s first fatality: the resident of a Decatur long-term care facility. Stark County reported its first confirmed COVID-19 case, becoming the 78th of Illinois’ 102 counties to report cases. The total number of confirmed cases in Illinois is now 15,078, including 462 deaths. – Jim Meadows, Illinois Newsroom
Central Illinois Counties Report New COVID-19 Cases
URBANA – Officials in Champaign County reported three new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, for a total of 70 cases in the county since the coronavirus outbreak began. The Champaign County Coronavirus Response website reports 27 of the infected patients have recovered, while one has died. Macon County reported its 13th confirmed COVID-19 case Wednesday afternoon. Douglas County reported its 11th case, and Coles County reported its second case. The DeWitt-Piatt Bi-County Health Department reported that the only confirmed COVID-19 case in DeWitt County has recovered. There were no new cases reported by Piatt or Vermilion Counties. – Jim Meadows, Illinois Newsroom
Return To Springfield Unclear for Lawmakers
SPRINGFIELD – Concerns about the coronavirus have kept the Illinois General Assembly from meeting in Springfield for nearly a month. State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) says lawmakers are continuing to meet, by phone call, email and video conferencing, in unofficial working groups. But Bennett says actual legislative sessions, where bills are voted on, are on hold until it’s safe for them to gather together again. Bennett says most of his work right now is helping Illinois residents and businesses get through the coronavirus outbreak. He and his staff are working from home, and meeting with constituents through phone, email and other virtual means. – Jim Meadows, Illinois Newsroom
Aurora Leaders Discuss Surviving COVID-19
AURORA – Aurora’s Mayor says his COVID-19 symptoms made him feel like he went “to the edge” and back. Richard Irvin held a Facebook live update Wednesday afternoon. He was joined by Police Chief Kristen Ziman and Police Commander Keith Cross who also tested positive. Ziman says they don’t know exactly how they got infected. Their symptoms varied in severity but included cough, chills, and recurring fevers. Mayor Irvin says he also had fatigue. “Not long after I took the test, I went downhill. I mean, I had an extreme headache to the point where I couldn’t even think straight and if I stood up, I would get dizzy,” said Irvin. Commander Cross shared that he was admitted to the emergency room. The officials held the meeting to bring attention to the need for residents to follow “stay-in-place” and social distancing measures. The city of Aurora has more than 100 confirmed cases and several deaths associated with COVID-19. – Jenna Dooley, WNIJ News
