Champaign Firefighter Tests Positive For COVID-19
A firefighter for the City of Champaign tested positive for the coronavirus, according to a press release released by the city. The name of the firefighter that tested positive is not being released, however, the city was in contact with the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District for protocol instruction. As a result, the city placed 12 other firefighters in a two-week quarantine in order to prevent the spread of the virus. The afflicted employee will not be able to return to work until the CUPHD deems it safe. The city notes that services will not be affected by the temporary loss of the 13 firefighters, and that all stations will continue to be fully staffed. – Jose Zepeda – WILL
Ten Mahomet-Seymore Students Test Positive For Coronavirus
After attending an “unofficial” prom at a private home in Mahomet, 10 students have tested positive for coronavirus. The CUPHD is investigating and following up with the students and stressing that anyone that attended the event be tested for coronavirus. In response to the unofficial prom, Mahomet-Seymore Schools announced that it is suspending all in-person activities such as athletic conditioning and behind-the-wheel driver’s education, as a form of caution as the CUPHD continues its investigation. – Jose Zepeda – WILL
State-Distributed Masks Among Precautions For School Opening
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois public schools and colleges will open this fall despite the COVID-19 pandemic, with help from the the state to provide 2.5 million face coverings to K-12 students to help prevent transmission of the virus, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Tuesday. Pritzker was joined by a group of education administrators in Chicago to announce COVID-19 safety guidelines for community colleges and universities. Illinois has received $569 million in federal pandemic relief funds. The bulk of that will go directly to elementary and secondary schools to handle local needs in response to the outbreak. The Illinois State Board of Education will use $54 million of it to help schools buy laptops and tablets, internet connectivity, virtual coaching for teachers and professional development. – John O’Connor – Associated Press
Illinois Courts To Get Diversity And Inclusion Officer
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois Supreme Court is recruiting a chief diversity and inclusion officer for the judicial branch of state government to address racial justice. The court said Monday the officer will propose practices, procedures and rules for Illinois courts to protect the constitutional rights of the public. It said the position will work with the Supreme Court and leaders throughout the judicial branch to achieve goals related to diversity, equity and inclusion. Recent events “have exposed frailties in our public institutions and brought to the forefront the disproportionate impact the application of certain laws, rules, policies and practices have had on the African American population, the Latinx community, and other people of color in Illinois and nationally,” the court said in a statement. – Associated Press
