Illinois’ COVID-19 Hospitalizations, Infection Rates Drop
CHICAGO — Gov. J.B. Pritzker says metrics used to measure the spread of the coronavirus are trending downward as Illinois prepares to further open businesses. Illinois’ rate of positive COVID-19 tests, which hit a high of 23% in April, is roughly 9%. The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations is at a six-week low. Public health officials on Tuesday announced 1,178 new cases and 39 new deaths. Overall, there have been 113,195 cases and 4,923 deaths. Chicago announced plans to hire and train 600 people to boost contact tracing efforts, part of a plan to loosen restrictions intended to limit the spread of the virus. – Associated Press
Judge: Illinois Federal Courts Will Look ‘Quite Different’
CHICAGO — The chief judge of federal courts in Northern Illinois says things will look “quite different” as some operations resume at courthouses in Chicago and Rockford. Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer said in a video message released Monday that a task force has been planning for how to proceed safely during the coronavirus pandemic. She says the court will issue an order Tuesday outlining details. Federal courthouses have been largely empty since mid-March. Pallmeyer says in her message that the task force has been working with public health officials to determine the safest way to screen visitors entering the courthouse, sanitize facilities and eventually resume jury trials. – Associated Press
Child Care Facilities To Reopen Under Phase Three
SPRINGFIELD – Child care facilities will be able to operate again once Illinois enters the third phase of its reopening plan, which is expected Friday. Maria Whalen is president and CEO of Illinois Action for Children’s, which offered input into the plan to reopen child care centers. “I think that this is a plan that recognizes that at the end of the day, we’re talking about children who are being cared for in congregate settings,” said Whalen. Newly reopened child care facilities will limit rooms sizes to eight for infants and 10 for others. There are now new sanitation and social distancing requirements. Children over the age of 2 will wear face covering when possible. – Maureen McKinney, NPR Illinois
