* I’ll cover the governor’s press conferences over the weekend, but I’m going to try and limit other coverage because… whew. Nobody told me there’d be days like these…
* Press release. Sorry about formatting. On deadline trying to finish my newspaper column…
Following the advice of leading public health experts around the globe, Governor JB Pritzker announced today has signed a statewide stay at home order, aiming to keep new cases of COVID-19 from rapidly increasing and ensure the state’s health care system remains fully operational to treat patients in need of urgent care.
The order takes effect 5 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 2020. In addition to the stay at home provisions, it also orders all local government units across the state to halt all evictions and bans gatherings of more than 10 people.
“We are doing all that we can to maintain as much normalcy as possible while taking the steps we must to protect our residents,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I fully recognize that in some cases I am choosing between saving people’s lives and saving their livelihoods. But ultimately, you can’t have a livelihood without a life. This will not last forever, but it’s what we must do to support the people on the front lines of this fight, and the people most vulnerable to its consequences.”
“This action underscores the seriousness of the situation and reinforces what many people all across Illinois are already doing to protect themselves, their neighbors and the community at large,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “Please, take this seriously, stay inside, limit your travel and be responsible for not just your own health, but everyone else’s, too.”
“During these unprecedented times, it is important we do what we can to prevent the spread of this virus. Simply staying home and following these best practices will help ensure our families, our neighborhoods and our communities remain safe,” said Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady (R-Bloomington). “It is also important that we not panic. Essential businesses and services will remain open and available. We will get through this if we all work together.”
“I commend Governor Pritzker and Mayor Lightfoot’s leadership, and join them in urging people to adhere to this ‘stay at home’ order to help flatten the curve and ultimately save lives,” said House Speaker Michael J. Madigan (D-Chicago). “We should all rest assured that we will continue to have regular access to groceries, medication, gas and other essential services. We will get through this together by following the advice of experts and giving doctors, nurses and first responders a chance to fight this disease. I want to extend my full gratitude to the frontline medical personnel working hard to save lives. By adhering to this order and following best medical advice, we can stand with them in this fight.”
“This is a critical time for our state and our nation, and we must take any and all steps, including the governor’s action today, to reduce the number of those affected by this virus so that we can return to our normal way of life as quickly as possible,” said House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R- Western Springs)
“Every action we’ve taken so far is based on the latest science and data from health officials as we combat the dynamic spread of COVID-19, and this is no exception,” said Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. “This decision was not an easy one, but Governor Pritzker’s order for Illinois residents to stay at home is the right thing to do to ensure we are protecting the health and wellbeing of our residents. We strongly encourage our residents to follow the guidelines and ensure the safety of their neighbors as we work to confront this crisis together.”
THE SCIENCE
Over the last several months, the Governor has consulted with medical experts, epidemiologists, mathematicians and modelers to understand the progression of COVID-19 and the measures needed to keep Illinoisans safe.
The administration has looked closely at the trajectory of coronavirus in countries like Italy and China. It is clear that left unchecked, cases in Illinois will rise rapidly and mirror the consequences experienced by other countries. Hospital systems would be overwhelmed, protective equipment would become scarce, and there would not be enough health care workers, hospital beds, or ventilators for the influx of sick patients.
In consulting with these experts, it is clear the most effective strategy available to Illinois is mitigation. That means limiting the increase in cases to ensure our healthcare system has capacity to treat those who become ill. The most aggressive form of this strategy is a stay at home order, which the administration is now implementing.
STAY AT HOME ORDER
All first responders, emergency management personnel, law enforcement personnel, health care workers and others working to support Essential Businesses and Essential Government Functions like grocery stores and pharmacies are exempt from this stay at home order.
The governor’s action today formalizes his calls this week for Illinoisans to stay home as much as possible, aside from meeting their basic needs. In that regard, the stay at home order permits a range of activities that will allow Illinoisans to get their necessities while maintaining social distance from others, which include but are not limited to:
Essential Activities:
For health and safety: seeking emergency services, obtaining medical supplies or medication or visiting a health care professional
For necessary supplies and services: obtaining groceries and food, household consumer products, supplies they need to work from home, and products necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operation of residences
For outdoor activity: walking, hiking, running or biking – including going to public parks and open outdoor recreation areas, except for playgrounds
For certain types of work: Providing essential products and services at Essential Businesses or Operations or otherwise carrying out activities specifically permitted in the order, including Minimum Basic Operations
To take care of others: Caring for or transporting a family member, friend or pet in another household
Essential Government Functions:
All services provided by state and local governments needed to ensure the continuing operation of the government agencies and provide for the health, safety and welfare of the public
This Executive Order does not apply to the United States government
Essential Businesses and Operations:
Healthcare and Public Health Operations: Working at or obtaining services from hospitals; clinics; dental offices; pharmacies; public health entities; healthcare manufacturers and suppliers; blood banks; medical cannabis facilities; reproductive health care providers; eye care centers; home healthcare services providers; mental health and substance use providers; ancillary healthcare services — including veterinary care and excluding fitness and exercise gyms, spas, salons, barber shops, tattoo parlors, and similar facilities
Human Services Operations: any provider funded by DHS, DCFS or Medicaid; long-term care facilities; home-based and residential settings for adults, seniors, children, and/or people with disabilities or mental illness; transitional facilities; field offices for food, cash assistance, medical coverage, child care, vocational services or rehabilitation services; developmental centers; adoption agencies; businesses that provide food, shelter, and social services and other necessities of life for needy individuals — excluding day care centers, day care homes, group day care homes and day care centers licensed as specified in Section 12(s) of the order
Essential Infrastructure:
Working in food production, distribution and sale; construction; building management and maintenance; airport operations; operation and maintenance of utilities, including water, sewer, and gas; electrical; distribution centers; oil and biofuel refining; roads, highways, railroads, and public transportation; ports; cybersecurity operations; flood control; solid waste and recycling collection and removal; and internet, video, and telecommunications systems
Stores that sell groceries and medicine
Food, beverage and cannabis production and agriculture
Organizations that provide charitable and social services
Media
Gas stations and businesses needed for transportation
Financial institutions
Hardware and supply stores
Critical trades, includingplumbers, electricians, exterminators, cleaning and janitorial staff for commercial and governmental properties, security staff, operating engineers, HVAC, painting, moving and relocation services, and other service providers that maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operation of residences, Essential Activities, and Essential Businesses and Operations
Mail, post, shipping, logistics, delivery and pick-up services
Educational institutions, for purposes of facilitating distance learning, performing critical research, or performing essential functions
Laundry services
Restaurants for consumption off-premises
Supplies to work from home
Supplies for Essential Businesses and Operations
Transportation, for purposes of Essential Travel
Home-based care and services
Residential facilities and shelters
Professional services
Day care centers for employees exempted by this Executive Order
Manufacture, distribution, and supply chain for critical products and industries
Critical labor union functions
Hotels and motels, to the extent used for lodging and delivery or carry-out food services
Funeral services
All non-essential business and operations must cease, aside from Minimum Basic Operations. Business can continue with employees working from home. Minimum Basic Operations includes the minimum necessary activities to maintain the value of inventory, preserve plant and equipment condition, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits and facilitate employees working remotely.
The order also closes licensed child care centers and all childcare homes serving more than six children. The Pritzker administration is working to expand the availability of child care for essential workers, while protecting the health of the children and child care teachers and home providers. A new Emergency Child Care Center license is being created with more flexibility but much smaller group sizes to ensure social distancing for children in care.
Only essential travel is permitted at this time and must be done in accordance with social distancing requirements. That includes travel related to:
Performing Essential Activities, Essential Governmental Functions, Essential Businesses and Operations or Minimum Basic Operations
Caring for elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities or other vulnerable persons
Receiving materials for distance learning, for receiving meals, and any other related services from an educational institution
Returning to a place of residence from outside the jurisdiction
Following the direction of law enforcement or court order, including to transport children pursuant to a custody agreement
Returning to a place of residence outside the State for non-residents
In addition to halting evictions statewide, the Governor is directing additional resources to organizations across the state to serve those experiencing homelessness.
For those whose residence is or becomes an unsafe place, please call the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-877-863-6338.
Finally, the Governor encourages Illinoisans to come together during this time of crisis and reminds the public that this is not a virus tied to a specific ethnic group or race. Suggesting otherwise – or engaging in acts of racism against a specific community – runs counter to our values.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE SICK
Every Illinoisan plays a role in ensuring our health care system remains fully operational to treat patients in need of urgent care.
If you are experiencing symptoms of any illness, including COVID-19, the first thing you should do is:
Call a health care provider, like your primary care physician or a health clinic. But please, do not walk directly into an emergency room or a doctor’s office.
A health care provider will ask about your symptoms and potential exposures. If they think you need medical care, they will help arrange medical treatment without putting others at risk of exposure.
If you meet certain criteria, you may be tested for COVID-19, but as testing expands, those with severe illness and those at higher risk of complications are being prioritized.
People whose symptoms are mild — which will be most people — will be able to isolate at home during their illness, and they should follow the directives of their health care providers.
* Gov. JB Pritzker started today by expressing condolences for the latest Illinois death. He then talked about all the experts he has consulted on the pandemic…
Well, they’ve come back to me with one inescapable conclusion. To avoid the loss of potentially 10s of thousands of lives, we must enact an immediate stay at home order for the state of Illinois. So that is the action that I’m announcing today.
We have looked closely at the trajectory of this virus in countries like Italy and China left unchecked cases in Illinois will rise rapidly. Hospitalization systems will be overwhelmed protective equipment will become scarce, and we will not have enough healthcare workers or hospital beds or ventilators for the overwhelming influx of sick patients. The only strategy available to us to limit the increase in cases and ensure our healthcare system has capacity to treat those who become ill, is to mitigate the spread of Coronavirus in the most robust manner possible.
I don’t come to this decision easily. I fully recognize that in some cases, I am choosing between saving people’s lives and saving people’s livelihoods. But ultimately you can’t have a livelihood. If you don’t have your life.
Of all the obligations that weigh on me as governor. This is the greatest. If there are actions that I can take that will save lives in the midst of this pandemic. No matter how difficult, I have an obligation to take these actions.
Therefore, starting tomorrow evening Saturday, March 21 at 5pm, until the end of April 7, all our residents will be subject to a stay at home order, there is a great deal of misunderstanding about what a stay at home order means. So I want to clarify it for everybody.
Here’s what will stay the same.
You’ll still be able to leave your house to go to the grocery store to get food, you’ll still be able to visit a pharmacy go to a medical office or hospital or to gas up your car at a gas station, you’ll still be able to go running and hiking and walk your dog. Many, many people will still go to work for the vast majority of you already taking precautions, your lives will not change very much.
There is absolutely no need to rush out to a grocery store or gas station on Sunday and Monday and Tuesday and every day thereafter, those will be available to you.
Agriculture and the press, veterinarians and plumbers, laundromats and banks, roadsm bridges and transit. The fundamental building blocks that keep our society safe and steady will not be closing down.
You can still pick up dinner from your local restaurant, pick up your prescriptions and just spend time with your family. We are doing all that we can to maintain as much normalcy as possible while taking the steps that we must to protect you.
That brings me to what will change all non essential businesses must stop operating. If you can work from home and aren’t already doing so, now is the time when you must. The heroes of this moment are healthcare workers, first responders, law enforcement officers and the individuals and organizations like the Illinois AFL CIO and other workers who keep our grocery stores and pharmacies running cannot stay home. We need you.
This executive order is fundamentally about the rest of us. And what we can do to support the people on the front lines of this fight, and the people most vulnerable to its consequences. We know this will be hard. And we’re looking at every tool that we have to help you through this crisis. For our essential workers we’re going to make sure you have safe daycare, to take care of your children, while you do the critical work to save us and to keep us safe.
* Evictions…
To those that we are asking to stay home, we’re ordering municipalities across the state to halt all evictions. We need our local leaders to help ensure our families do not lose their homes. I’m also directing additional resources to organizations across the state to serve those experiencing homelessness, for our students, your school district will continue to provide you with meals, and we will back them up in this.
* Schools…
I wish I could stand up here and tell you when your schools will safely reopen. But that is not an answer that I have at this time we’re postponing our tentative reopening date statewide until April 8 and we’ll continue to update you with new information as we have it.
* Enforcement…
To be honest, we don’t have the resources, the capacity or the desire to police every individual’s behavior enforcement comes in many forms and our first and best option is to rely on Illinoisans to be good members of their communities and good citizens, working together to keep each other safe.
I’ve instructed law enforcement to monitor for violations and take action when necessary, but that is not an option that anyone prefers.
* The future…
The easy thing to say today is that soon, everything will go back to the way it was. But I want to be honest with you about that too. We don’t know yet all the steps, we’re going to have to take to get this virus under control.
* Mayor Lori Lightfoot…
So many Chicagoans have already heeded our calls to stay home and are practicing social distancing. And for those residents, today’s announcement won’t drastically change the day to day changes you’ve already taken. But while many have listened, some have not. It’s clear that the time is now for us to be very definitive in telling people that you must stay home and the governor explained what this order is and what it requires from each of us.
And I want to say to be clear, this is not a lockdown or martial law.
As the governor said and I want to reiterate, Chicago’s grocery stores pharmacies and clinics will remain open. And there’s absolutely no need to change your normal purchasing patterns. What I mean is, do not take this direction as a reason to run to the stores, buy everything inside and hoard vital supplies. Please, the grocery stores will remain open and stocked, so be mindful of your neighbors, and do not hoard supplies. Hospitals, will continue to treat patients, the city’s essential services will not cease. The CTA will run, airports will be open and your garbage will be collected.
* Lightfoot to close parks and libraries…
I also want to announce it in light of this order, we will be closing fully Chicago parks and libraries for the duration of this order. Some of these facilities may be repurposed to help support some other essential services by third parties, but effective tomorrow at 5pm, all city parks and libraries will be closed.
* Press release…
U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today released the following statement after Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker ordered a statewide Shelter-in-Place amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic:
“Governor Pritzker’s shelter-in-place order is critical to slowing the spread of COVID-19. This pandemic will continue to disrupt our daily lives, but it is more important than ever for all Illinoisans to follow official health and safety guidance, practice social distancing, and do everything in their power to avoid infecting themselves and others in their community. Our actions today will save lives tomorrow.”
* Today’s updated graph…
* On to questions for the governor. He explained the consequences for violating the order…
We’re calling on people to use their best judgment to follow the guidance that we’re giving them. We’re, of course, authorizing that the members of law enforcement, if they see somebody who’s maybe violating this order, they would go talk to them and ask them not to. And then if the people who are violating the rule refuse to comply, a police officer could get a cease and desist order they’d have to go get one at a court to do that. And then finally in a, you know, in the last resort really, you know. There is the kind of reckless conduct misdemeanor that someone could be charged with, but look we anticipate that people will follow this order.
Mayor Lightfoot said “We’re going to educate people into compliance.”
* Rumors about martial law, etc…
There have been a lot of rumors circulating around that are completely inaccurate, rumors that there’s martial law that’s going to be imposed, that we’ve called out the Guard or the military somehow to impose their will upon the state of Illinois.
Those are all false and I want people to take a deep breath, people who have heard these rumors. Remember, in addition to people who just like to forward rumors around on Twitter or on Facebook, there is also, I hate to tell you, an effort by the Chinese government and the Russian government to feed into that paranoia, that people have about what’s going on the COVID-19 challenge.
* Childcare…
We are working very hard to provide childcare, especially for essential workers. We want to make sure that we’re standing up. Remember, we don’t want to put too many children or childcare workers in the same room together in the same facility. So we’re actually working to provide the right size, small sizes of perhaps a half a dozen children.
* What about the 225 juveniles held in detention…
Department of Juvenile Justice in the state, we do not have very many kids who are in those facilities in general, it’s a little over 200 as was suggested. And then we are making sure to maintain social distancing in those facilities, and you know where we can we’re certainly going to look at the possibility of those kids being allowed to return home, but most importantly we want them to have shelter we want them to be safe and healthy. We’re going to work very hard to make that make sure that that happens
* State prisoners…
Wwe know that there’s a risk as there is anywhere where you might put a lot of people together that there would be an infection. And so we’re working very hard to make sure there are areas for segregating people who may get the flu or get a cold or some other condition that you know if COVID 19 was something that might infect them there wouldn’t be a comorbidity as they call it. And so we’re working hard in our prisons to make sure that happens. And as I mentioned at the point in an earlier, press conference, we’re also looking at the possibility of people with nonviolent offenses, who have served much of their time that the possibility of alleviating some of the burden in the Department of Corrections by allowing them to be paroled with a lot of conditions associated with that.
* You’ve said this order is until April 7th, but how do you know it might go longer than that…
I think you’ve seen that we’ve had to work quickly act, with haste, based upon the information that we’re given guidance by the CDC, what the experts are telling us. So I’m not going to tell you, as I said earlier, I’m not going to tell you that I know that the end of April 7 is ultimately the end date.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced 163 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including the death of a Cook County woman in her 70s. Three additional counties are now reporting cases; Adams, Christian, and McLean counties.
Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 585 cases in 25 counties in Illinois. Cases have occurred in ages 3 to 99. Cases by county can be found on the IDPH website, as well as a list of local health departments who will have the most up-to-date information.
As the number of COVID-19 cases being reported continues to rise significantly each day, the State of Illinois is working to increase testing capacity by working with Illinois hospitals to implement testing within their facilities.
Additionally, the State is working with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Wal-Mart, and Walgreens to set up drive-thru testing sites in the hardest hit areas of the state.
These facilities will focus on senior citizens, first responders, and health care workers.
Hospital capacity is another area we are focusing on by identifying resources and ways to increase our bed capacity in Illinois to treat those who contract the novel coronavirus. The State has been working with other jurisdictions and businesses to re-open recently closed hospitals. We are currently doing assessments at four hospitals in Illinois to determine the current condition of the facility, medical resources available, staffing levels, and what else is needed to open these facilities in order to provide medical care for individuals with COVID-19.
We are finalizing these plans now and hope to announce more in the coming days.
Goldman Sachs economists on Friday forecast an unprecedented 24% decline in second quarter gross domestic product, following a 6% decline in the first quarter, based on the economy’s sudden and historic shutdown as the country responds to the coronavirus pandemic.
The economists then expect a bounce back of 12% in the third quarter and 10% in the fourth quarter, but unemployment will surge to 9%. They also expect GDP to contract by 3.8% for the full year on an annual average basis, and 3.1% on a fourth quarter over fourth quarter basis.
Just five days ago, Goldman economists had expected the economy to trough with a decline of 5% in the second quarter after a flat first quarter. They had expected a resurgence in the second half and full year growth of 0.4%.
Using Goldman Sachs’ original forecast and finding a middle ground between it and two forecasts from Deutsche Bank and JP Morgan, the Economic Policy Institute projected 206,648 lost jobs in Illinois alone.
Deutsche Bank and JP Morgan predicted a 14 percent GDP decline. The middle point used by the EPI was somewhere around 10 percent. Goldman Sachs is now at 24 percent. The new middle point between those two is now a 19 percent contraction. So, maybe double that originally projected 206.6K Illinois job loss?
The latest figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics has Illinois employment at 6.19 million with a 3.5 percent unemployment rate.
[Comments are now closed because we have a fresh thread. Click here.]
*** UPDATE *** The Tribune’s decision to publish the story without waiting to see what the order would do has created a lot of unnecessary panic.
If you click here, you’ll see the Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce issued yesterday by the Department of Homeland Security.
I asked the governor’s press secretary Jordan Abudayyeh if the stay at home order would be based on that list of businesses, industries, etc. Her reply…
We may have identified more, but our definition encompasses everyone listed in CISA.
* I’ve been hearing this all morning from reputable sources, but figured I’d wait to see if the governor actually announced it at 3. It’s sounded to me like he and his staff are calling around preparing people for an announcement. Dan Petrella, Gregory Pratt, Stacy St. Clair and Jamie Munks at the Tribune…
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker plans to issue a “shelter-in-place” order for the entire state starting Saturday, essentially commanding residents to stay in their homes as the officials take drastic measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus, sources told the Tribune.
Pritzker is expected to announce the directive at a 3 p.m. Friday news conference along with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Details are still being worked out, sources said.
Residents can still go to the grocery stores, put gas in their cars, take walks outside and make pharmacy runs. All local roads, including the interstate highways and tollways, will remain open to traffic, as well.
I work from home and because the restaurants and bars were closed, my life won’t change much at all. But that’s just me. Others will be impacted. But I encourage all of you to take a deep breath, not assume the worst and wait to read the full order before you jump to any conclusions.
Most of these state and local orders so far have contained a ton of exemptions (click here for a good explainer about San Francisco’s order). Again, try to stay calm.
Also, the Tribune headline used the word “lockdown.” That’s not what’s happening here, I’m told.
A source familiar with the plan tells WBEZ that Pritzker’s order will detail essential and nonessential work and workers. The order will call for the closure of salons, retail stores and recreational places, such as bowling alleys.
But essential employees — such as manufacturing workers — will still be allowed to report to work, so the supply chain can keep running. Other essential workers include grocery store workers, first responders, news reporters and food delivery workers.
Grocery stores, banks, doctors’ offices, gasoline stations and at-home food delivery services will remain open.
Piatt County Board Chairman Ray Spencer was issued a warrant for his arrest Monday after being indicted by a Piatt County grand jury on four charges: two counts of official misconduct and two counts of forgery, all Class 3 felonies.
While the number of counties affected by COVID-19 increases across the state, Piatt County board chairman Ray Spencer has blocked his county’s ability to purchase additional health and cleaning supplies, according to a legal complaint filed against the county board.
Piatt County State’s Attorney Dana Rhoades filed the complaint on Thursday, requesting that the court vacate directives from Spencer to the county’s Emergency Management Agency director, Mike Holmes, that, among other things, have blocked the purchase of gear mandated by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and barred the agency from communicating with news media.
Following budget talks that spanned weeks and drew protests from taxpayers late last year, Piatt County board members approved a budget that underfunded the county’s EMA department, allotting a full-time department only part-time funding.
On March 14, according to the complaint, Spencer directed Holmes that “whatever COVID-19 supplies were needed, the Director must stay within his part-time 2020 operational budget.” […]
Additionally, plans to implement a county-wide, emergency mass notification system were halted due to a lack of funding, despite repeated requests to the board to fund a system that exists in counties that border Piatt.
Because that notification system wasn’t implemented within the county, the EMA “must rely upon the news media outlets and social media outlets to inform the public of emergency information and situations,” per the complaint, which noted Spencer has barred the EMA from doing exactly that.
California’s 40 million residents should stay home indefinitely and venture outside only for essential jobs, errands and some exercise, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Thursday, warning that the coronavirus threatens to overwhelm the state’s medical system.
The move, the most sweeping by any state so far, was an exclamation point at the end of a week of increasingly aggressive moves meant to keep the virus in check by forcing people to stay away from each other as often as possible.
“I can assure you home isolation is not my preferred choice, I know it’s not yours, but it’s a necessary one,” Newsom said at an evening news conference streamed on social media.
He assured residents that they “can still take your kids outside, practicing common sense and social distancing. You can still walk your dog.” Restaurant meals can still be delivered to homes.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered nonessential businesses to keep 100% of their workforce at home and put in place stringent new restrictions on New Yorkers starting Sunday as the state grapples with the worst coronavirus outbreak in the U.S.
“When I talk about the most drastic action we can take, this is the most drastic action we can take,” Cuomo said at a press conference in Albany on Friday. Cases across the state surged by 2,950 overnight to 7,102, he said. “This is not life as usual. Accept it. Realize it and deal with it.” […]
When in public, individuals must practice social distancing of at least six feet, he said. Businesses that provide essential services, like grocery stores, pharmacies and banks, must implement rules that ensure employees and customers maintain at least six feet of space between each other, according to a slide presented at the press conference. Individuals should also limit use of public transit only if it’s absolutely necessary. Individuals will also need to limit outdoor activities, avoiding ones where they come into close contact with other people. […]
Mayor de Blasio said Thursday there’s been “an explosion of cases here in New York City,” including an inmate at Rikers Island. Cases in NYC jumped by 1,939 overnight to 4,408, Cuomo said Friday. The number of cases is surging as the state ramps up its testing capability and detects previously unknown infections. “This number is, nonetheless, very, very painful,” de Blasio said Thursday when the case count was significantly lower.
Illinois expects to have 3,400 new cases of COVID-19 a week from now if the virus continues to spread at its current pace, WBEZ has learned.
If 20% of cases are severe, about 650 more infected people would need to be hospitalized, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
If the state’s projections hold, Illinois would see an eight-fold increase in the number of people who test positive for the new coronavirus in the next week. As of Thursday, there were 422 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Illinois. Four people have died, and public health officials have repeatedly warned that residents should expect those numbers to increase.
In an email, a state public health department spokesperson told WBEZ the estimated figures are based on the trajectory of cases this week continuing.
To further prevent the spread of COVID-19, and in accordance with the Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation issued on March 9, 2020, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) today announced the closure of all state parks, fish and wildlife areas, recreational areas, and historic sites as well as the cancellation of upcoming scheduled events.
Subscribers know where I stand on this and I’ll leave it at that.
* From the National Recreation and Park Association…
Concerns about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak continue to grip our nation. As organizations that support the power of parks and open spaces as essential resources for health and wellness, we understand that people may have questions and concerns about visiting their local parks, trails or open spaces at this time.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has flagged mental health as a top concern associated with the COVID-19 outbreak. We recognize that social distancing may take a toll on our mental health, especially during high-stress and anxiety-producing global public health emergencies. We also know that parks provide a connection to the outdoors and green space as well as opportunities for physical activity which studies demonstrate reduces stress and improves mental health.
We believe that many parks, trails and open spaces can continue to be used in a safe manner that allows people to enjoy the mental and physical health benefits these spaces provide. In all instances, we recommend people follow local, state and national ordinances and guidelines regarding the use of these spaces and recognize that these vary from community to community.
In places where there are no restrictions on the use of local parks, trails and open spaces, we encourage all users to follow these recommendations:
* Refrain from using parks or trails if they are exhibiting symptoms.
* Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to and during use of parks or trails.
* Prepare for limited access to public restrooms or water fountains.
* While on trails, warn other users of their presence and as they pass, and step aside to let others pass.
* Follow CDC guidance on the recommended size of social gatherings including outdoor picnicking, pick-up sports and other group hangouts, and maintain proper physical distance at all times.
* Observe CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of 6 feet from other individuals at all times. If this is not possible, users should find an alternate location or depart that space.
* Consult their local and state ordinances and guidelines for the most up to date recommendations on park and trail use.
We encourage local jurisdictions to keep parks, trails and open spaces accessible as long as it is safe to do so.
Our local parks, trails and open spaces have always served as places where people can find respite and seek peace and restoration. During this time of uncertainty, these places are needed now more than ever. Our nation’s park and recreation professionals are working hard to maintain these spaces and keep them safe, accessible and benefiting our communities during these challenging times. Let us all do our part to use them in a way that respects each other and public health guidance.
* The Question: Should the governor re-open state parks, trails, fish and wildlife and recreation areas? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please…
Illinois health officials tell WGN Investigates that as of Wednesday morning: 825 of the state’s 1,764 intensive care unit beds are available but only 374 of the 1,467 ventilators in Illinois are currently unused.
State health officials are concerned about a shortage. They have told people who think they may have the virus but who have no other underlying condition or complication that they should simply stay home and recover. […]
Illinois has 1,467 ventilators statewide. There’s also a national emergency supply but experts fear it’s not adequate.
“We have a specific number of ventilators in the stockpile,” Vice President Mike Pence said. “It’s in excess of 10,000 and you just heard the announcement from the Department of Defense that they’ll be adding several more thousand to that.”
* As we discussed yesterday, the Illinois Hospital Association has issued an urgent plea for PPE donations…
As you may be aware, Illinois hospitals and health systems are facing a critical shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as they care for increasing numbers of patients with COVID-19. Yesterday, the number of COVID-19 cases in Illinois nearly doubled to 288. We anticipate that the number of cases will increase dramatically in the coming days and weeks, exhausting all the PPE at hospitals, including gowns, gloves, eye shields and, especially, medical masks (specifically, standard surgical masks and N95s, which have NIOSH or FDA approval, including expired N95s).
PPE is critical to protecting our frontline healthcare workforce from infection when testing and treating patients for COVID-19, keeping our dedicated physicians, nurses, technicians and others in our hospitals where they are needed most.
Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s new guidelines for optimizing a limited supply of face masks have been criticized by some health care providers.
In addition to suggesting that workers use expired face masks or wear the same mask to treat multiple patients, the CDC recommends using a bandana or scarf “as a last resort” in settings where supplies are not available. The guidelines note that “caution should be exercised when considering this option.”
It’s like we’re a Third World country or something.
* The governor talked yesterday about reopening some shuttered hospitals. Illinois has been going through a reduction in hospital beds the past several years, including this one…
To help provide additional medical services during the spread of COVID-19, State Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, is calling on Gov. Pritzker to reopen Westlake Hospital in Melrose Park. […]
Westlake Hospital in Melrose Park permanently closed last year shortly after the hospital was purchased by Pipeline Health. Weeks after the out-of-state corporation assumed ownership, Pipeline announced plans to close Westlake. Welch was an outspoken advocate in the fight to keep the health care facility open before it ultimately closed in August. Now, Welch is urging Gov. Pritzker to reopen the closed hospital in order to expand access to necessary health care services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
* Meanwhile, this is from Paul E. Pedersen, MD, the President of the Illinois State Medical Society…
The Illinois State Medical Society applauds Governor Pritzker’s Executive Order requiring health insurer coverage of telehealth services. We reached out to his office yesterday with the Illinois Health and Hospital Association seeking action to require that health insurers cover virtual patient encounters. We are facing unprecedented disruptions to healthcare delivery and his decisive action will save lives.
We echo Governor Pritzker’s call for physicians to sign up for the State of Illinois Rapid Electronic Notification System (SIREN) to receive urgent COVID-19 alerts. Health professionals can learn how to sign up for this Illinois Department of Public Health program by visiting www.isms.org/COVID-19
* AFT…
The nation’s second largest nurses’ union, the AFT, is calling on employers and the federal government to provide coronavirus tests for all U.S. healthcare workers, alongside access to universal testing for all Americans. And they are seeking emergency protection and supplies to slow the growth of the dangerous pandemic.
Hundreds of thousands of healthcare workers on the frontline of the COVID-19 outbreak are yet to be tested, despite reports of waves of infections. Nurses lack the basic resources and supplies they need to help patients and do their job safely—including N95 respirators, patient care beds, and childcare for their children. Many have resorted to making their own masks as the CDC recommends wearing “bandanas” and “scarves” to ward off the threat. Healthcare workers are experiencing enormous stress and fear as they scramble to respond.
With nursing homes now on the front lines to contain the coronavirus pandemic, federal inspection records show Illinois’ facilities have been among the worst in the nation for an important measure of patient protection: following rules to contain infections.
An analysis by the Tribune raises new concerns about how well the homes can protect more than 80,000 residents under their care. While the industry has stressed its beefed-up response to screen for and contain any spread, advocates for residents worry about an industry that has sometimes struggled to properly care for residents — even before the emergence of a pandemic that particularly endangers older, more frail residents.
“This is an extraordinary circumstance,” said AARP Illinois State Director Bob Gallo. “And judging by the track record we’ve seen before, compliance needs to be ensured.”
The Tribune analysis studied federal inspection data on infection control for facilities certified by Medicare and Medicaid, representing the vast majority of nursing homes. The analysis found that 89% of Illinois homes — 642 of 723 — have been cited at least once since 2016 for violating infection control regulations. Only two states, Michigan and California, fared worse, and just barely.
President Trump recently announced that drive-thru testing would be available in parking lots at retail stores. Nearly one week later, drugstore chains like Walgreens are still working to finalize the details of such an endeavor.
At least two of Detroit’s three automakers are studying the feasibility of producing vital medical equipment, such as ventilators, as the nation tries to combat the coronavirus pandemic, echoing the industry’s conversion to building tanks, trucks and planes during World War II.
After announcing they both will temporarily suspend production amid coronavirus concerns, General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co. confirmed Wednesday that they have been in contact with governments in the United States and United Kingdom about evaluating ways to produce the ventilators experts say doctors are expected to need to treat seriously ill coronavirus patients.
* This video was passed around all over the place yesterday (it was even posted in comments here this morning before I deleted it). But notice the date when it was first posted on Facebook: February 19th…
???????????? look what the freight just brought in..
Posted by Alex Hampton on Wednesday, February 19, 2020
Many, many thanks to SEIU Local 1 Communications Director Izabela Miltko-Ivkovich for tracking that down. I got so tired of receiving it yesterday that I started scolding everyone who sent it to me. The only thing that was forwarded to me more than that has been that stupidly ubiquitous Blagojevich meme. Please, stop sending that to me. Many thanks.
* The online uproar got so intense that the Illinois National Guard had to take to Twitter…
The Illinois National Guard IS NOT moving Chicago to enforce a quarantine. The train moving military equipment is not moving National Guard vehicles. We have 60 troops activated for COVID-19. Most are medical. The military moves vehicles all the time. Relax, folks!
I am hearing on this group that ISP has shut down background checks.
* Illinois State Police…
The Firearms Services Bureau is still working diligently to process Firearm Transfer Inquiry Program submissions as quickly as possible. We have experienced a high volume of requests recently and are working to process these requests as efficiently as possible. Please remember not to calculate weekends and holidays when determining an approximate date for response. Temporary fluctuations in staffing made in response to COVID-19 may temporarily result in fluctuations in processing times, but FTIP submissions and processing have not stopped and continue in earnest. ISP also is rolling out telework capabilities as quickly as possible to increase efficiency in the days and weeks ahead. Thank you for your patience as we work to respond in as timely a manner as this emergency situation allows.
* This trailer was parked outside of Sycamore and some locals were freaking out…
Explanation…
* My all-time “favorite” however, is this, which was sent to a legislator who forwarded it on to me so I could mock it…
Some folks actually believe that black people, either by genetics or some favor of God, cannot catch the coronavirus. Or if black people do get it, they are more likely to fully recover from it than other racial or ethnic groups. […]
Here’s the truth, according to the World Health Organization: Anybody can contract the coronavirus. People over the age of 60 are at a higher risk of developing a severe case of illness, and the highest death rate is in people over 80. But anyone who suffers from chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart disease, cancer, diabetes or asthma is likely to get very sick or die.
Black people rank at or near the top of just about every one of these conditions. That places them among the most vulnerable groups for which the virus could be fatal.
More than 64,000 Illinoisans filed unemployment benefit claims with the Illinois Department of Employment Security between Monday and Wednesday as the initial damage caused by the spread of the Coronavirus on the state’s economy emerged.
The municipal market was imploding in real time as it sold off by at least half a percentage point across the curve and Lipper reported more than $12 billion of outflows — simply more sellers than buyers amid a chaotic reaction to the COVID-19 virus.
The municipal market also completely decoupled from U.S. Treasuries in a major sell off that had the one-year muni yielding well over 2% on Thursday as the rest of the curve was up by more than 50 basis points across AAA benchmarks.
One-year munis currently yield more than 30-year U.S. Treasuries, which landed at 1.77%.
This sell off is fund outflow-driven and there were massive bid lists out on Thursday morning and the relative ratios of municipals to corporates and Treasuries are historic.
Lipper reported a whopping $12.214 billion of outflows from municipal bond funds. Out of that huge number, $5.3 billion of outflows were from high-yield bond funds. The $12 billion figure of outflows in one week equates to about 3% of annual municipal volume.
* Jason Grotto, Shruti Singh and Noah Buhayar at Bloomberg…
It’s a bitter irony: As state and local governments struggle to blunt the new coronavirus outbreak, the most effective weapons hammer their fiscal health.
Social distancing has already begun to crater their revenue, even as emergency expenses, pension costs and other long-term liabilities are poised to surge. The market has priced in the impact of the slump, leading to the worst muni-bond rout since 1984 and prompting desperate calls for federal support.
The U.S. government has begun sending billions to states to offset the cost of combating the virus, but additional pressures are likely to build in coming weeks and months as revenue declines, unemployment spikes and business activity slows. […]
Few states face a crisis as deep as Illinois, which has more than $7 billion in unpaid bills, about $137 billion in unfunded pension liabilities and only $1.2 million in reserves. Just over a week into the pandemic, initial jobless claims in Illinois jumped more than 10-fold compared with the same period last year. […]
“Illinois and Chicago were ill-positioned for a crisis before all this started,” said Laurence Msall, president of the Civic Federation, a Chicago-based independent, nonpartisan research organization. “The only way you can get out of this is a massive federal stimulus for state and local governments.”
Congress is considering authorizing the Federal Reserve to purchase municipal bonds as one of the ways to support local and state efforts to address the coronavirus pandemic.
A memo circulated Wednesday by House Financial Service Committee Chairwoman Maxine Waters, D-Calif., suggests that the next wave of federal legislation authorize the Fed to support state, territory, and local debt issuance in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
The Waters memo also suggests a blanket waiver for state or local governments to provide a local contribution as a requirement for receiving certain federal grants. […]
Americans for Financial Reform, a coalition of organized labor and liberal advocacy groups, has recommended that Congress mandate the Fed to purchase municipal debt to help state and local efforts to fight the epidemic and related economic fallout.
Marcus Stanley, policy director at Americans for Financial Reform, wrote in an op-ed for Bloomberg, pointing out that the Fed has used its authority in the past to help banks and even foreign governments.
The Federal Reserve capped off an unprecedented week of action Friday by extending a lifeline to cash-strapped state and local governments that are about to borrow large sums as they deal with skyrocketing costs from coronavirus safety measures. […]
The Fed will make loans available to financial institutions that can be secured by “high quality” state and local bonds. This will make owning these tax-exempt municipal bonds more attractive and should help ensure there is plenty of demand for these bonds as many states and cities begin to issue more debt in the coming weeks and months.
It’s prime time for Lori Lightfoot. With the coronavirus pandemic spreading throughout the state, Chicago residents are anxiously wondering what dramatic steps the mayor may announce this afternoon to tame life in the city if they they help new infections. […]
If there is an order for residents to shelter in place, the mayor and the city’s COVID-19 Taskforce are expected to communicate to residents regularly about the details, including how to access essential items such as food and medicine.
* Well, the mayor’s office has released her remarks. Click here. Chicago Public Schools will now be closed through April 20th instead of the end of this month.
(W)e have repeatedly asked throughout this crisis that if you are sick, stay home. Most of you have listened, but some have not. And those of you that have not, have not only put yourselves at risk, you are endangering the public. We have documented an increasing number of cases in which sick people, went to their workplace, and got other people sick with the coronavirus.
Today, at my direction, the Department of Public Health issued an order that until further notice, if you are sick with respiratory symptoms like cough, fever, or shortness of breathe, but also, and importantly if you are beginning to feel sick – body aches, fatigue, sore throat – you too are ordered to stay home unless seeking medical care, or other essentials like food.
That story this morning needlessly freaked a lot of people out. This sort of thing needs to stop. Be responsible, for crying out loud. Avoid creating panic for clicks.
When the legislature gets back to business one day, it will take real leadership from Pritzker to do the people’s work. The immediate to-do list will include coronavirus-related responses, including health care needs and bagging all the federal help available.
A budget must be passed too. And, for now, there is a May 3 deadline for passing a bill for electoral-map reform.
There will be a temptation to set some urgent issues aside — or, worse yet, pass so-called reform bills that amount to nothing but window dressing.
It will take leadership by the governor, working with the legislature, to decide how to navigate this traffic jam of urgent needs. A special session may be a good way to proceed.
It brings me great pain to announce that we have had three more deaths in Illinois associated with COVID 19.
One was a Will County resident in his 50s. A second, a Cook County resident in her 80s. And the third is a Florida resident who was visiting Sangamon County.
My heart goes out to the family and the friends of these patients. And I feel like I can speak for all of Illinois. When I say, we offer them our collective strength at this time. May their memories be for a blessing.
These moments will not get easier, nor should they. We are fighting this fight for every person in Illinois.
We’ve all lost something today.
Remember I’m using Otter for transcription, so pardon the typos.
We’re also working hard to ensure that all our residents are able to get as many of the health care services that they need, even from the safety of their own homes. So today I’m signing an executive order significantly expanding telemedicine for both Medicaid and those who are private insured. This order will allow more providers to get reimbursed for these services and allow patients more flexibility and safety in getting the medical guidance and care that they need.
* Small biz…
Our small businesses are already hurting, and the root of that pain isn’t going to go away anytime soon. I’m pleased to announce today that my administration is offering relief to more than 20,000 small and medium sized bars and restaurants, all across Illinois by allowing a two-month delay in sales tax payments to the state, and to local jurisdictions, and we’re waving late filing fees and interest starting tomorrow, Friday, March 20.
* Tests…
As of yesterday we were able to do more than 1000 tests statewide and in just a few days will be increasing that to more than 2000 tests per day.
These tests are only discovering people who already have the virus. I know people are looking at other countries and even cities and jurisdictions around the United States and seeing the numbers rise significantly everywhere. But as we take action, we’re initiating a process that is intended to bend the curve.
* National Guard…
Earlier this week I activated the first members of the Illinois National Guard mission to join the fight against Cova 19. In total the guard is a force of really extraordinary citizens but they would call themselves ordinary citizens, but they’re 13,000 strong committed to amazing work, and they bring to our preparations key capabilities in logistics and transportation and even medical specialties in the short term the guard will be working to support our efforts to set up mobile testing units, allowing us to expand testing while ensuring that those tests can be administered in the safest possible way.
The guard is also doing critical work planning for the weeks and months ahead, including expanding our healthcare capacity by potentially refitting and reopening previously closed hospitals.
US Rep. Bobby Rush called on Pritzker to reopen a South Side hospital that was closed last year.
* Rumors…
I want to address some of the rumors that have been running around, essential services will not close interstates highways and bridges will stay open grocery stores pharmacies gas stations. These sources of fundamental supplies will continue to operate. There is no need to run out and hoard food gas or medicine, by what you need, within reason there is enough to go around as long as people do not hoard. We will never shut these services down.
And please, let’s all remember that these essential institutions don’t run on their own, the cashiers the gas station attendants, the truckers the pharmacists, the delivery workers the sanitation workers. These are all people who keep our state on track. So please take every opportunity that you can to demonstrate your gratitude to them.
* IDPH Director Ngozi Ezike…
Unfortunately we do anticipate additional deaths. Please everyone stay home as much as possible, so we can reduce the number of people who are infected, which will reduce the number of people who get serious illness, which will reduce the number of people who will lose their life.
Overall we have 422 cases in 22 counties across Illinois. The number of cases is rising exponentially with increasing laboratory testing in DPH labs, as well as in the commercial labs and the hospital labs, we did expect to see this rise as you test more, you will identify more
* Testing…
Testing will be performed for individuals who are part of a cluster of confirmed cases or possible cases among those who work or live in a residential congregate setting, such as the nursing homes testing at the IDP h labs will also be prioritized for people for hospitalized patients with unexplained pneumonia or from a residential congregate setting, serving vulnerable populations. Long term care facilities such as nursing homes with confirmed cases will increase the monitoring of those individuals and take aggressive infection control measures.
However testing of all individuals is not indicated.
We will not recommend test for every single resident or staff of an of a long term care facility rather we will take all the precautions necessary and as soon as any staff or resident develops symptoms, they will be isolated and treated. If they’re showing symptoms whether they’ve been tested or not, they will get the same treatments and the same appropriate measures will be taken to care for them.
Patients who do not fall into one of these categories for testing can seek care for their healthcare provider who can then move on forward with a testing at a commercial or a hospital laboratory.
* Press release…
There are 136 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) across Illinois. Five additional counties are now reporting cases; Jackson, Kankakee, LaSalle, Washington, and Williamson counties.
Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 422 cases in 22 counties in Illinois. Cases have occurred in ages 9 to 99.
* Today’s graph…
None of the fatalities were in nursing homes.
* On to questions for the governor. How long will school closings last…
We’ve set a deadline, a date by which we think that students would go back but I also think that parents should be contemplating the possibility that that might be extended.
* What is the threshold for a shelter in place order…
Look, my expertise is not as a scientist or as a doctor, and so epidemiologists as well as those who are experts in public health, are those who I rely upon both here in Illinois and there are we have some of the best in the world here in Illinois. And I’ve also called others around the nation, so that I can better understand what are the things that they’re looking at. Many of the people in this field are very very concerned that the United States is not doing enough. I think you’ve heard that on television and we you know we’ve when we talk about bending the curve we say it like everybody understands but what we’re talking about is making sure that we don’t end up in the situation that Italy is in.
So when I make decisions about this this is about how do we operate faster and better than Italy, and then other countries that have seen this, you know, grow exponentially for a very long period of time. […]
Suffice to say that we’re evaluating every day.
Graph…
The US #COVID19 death curve has steepened again, along with further divergence from South Korea (March 19th) Soon to cross Iran, and heading towards Italy. Via @jburnmurdoch@FT Will post last 4 day side-by-side next pic.twitter.com/dKYww3MRSf
* IRMA has a list on their website that will include all grocery stores adopting special shopping hours for senior citizens and other vulnerable populations. This will be updated frequently. Click here.
* Pritzker was asked about reopening closed hospitals and expanding beds…
There are two types of hospital beds that we’re looking for. One is the NIC badge I mean rooms. I, and the ability to serve the people that are in those rooms. So two types one is those who are COVID-19 positive, who need to be treated for COVID-19. And then there are those who have some other illness that they’re in the hospital for, and they will need a bed, and we’re trying hard to stand up more of both of those types of beds, the more that we can alleviate the existing infrastructure of non COVID-19, the more likely we are to be able to serve the vastly increasing population of those who are tested positive for COVID-19. So we are, as I say we’re reopening hospitals. We’re looking at all the hospitals right now inventorying how to reopen them so we’ve got people on site in many cases, looking at you know remember there’s plant and equipment that you have to turn on it isn’t just as easy as turning the lights on. And then we’ve also got to have the healthcare personnel to move into those hospitals to make sure that we’re serving people properly. And then there are existing surgery centers and other places that have the potential to provide beds for for people that that aren’t normally places that would just accept a COVID-19 or other kind of a patient so we’re again outfitting those folks but but they also have nurses and doctors that are on staff and so they have a little more capability to begin with. All together so we’re, we’re working hard with all the hospitals to and you know that you know we we no longer have elective surgeries, going into our hospitals so that alleviates many of the beds, and also frankly puts a financial burden on the hospitals themselves who, you know, subsidize other care by doing elective surgeries often so anyway that’s that’s a lot of what we’re looking at. And we’re going to continue to look at, even more expansion that may include things like literally building a field hospital in Illinois and in various places. We’re also looking at how do you alleviate some of the intake that goes on at a hospital for people who really don’t need a bed sometimes they are put in a bed anyway to, you know, or were a month ago or two months ago, how do we alleviate some of that who could really convalesce for example at home, and not be in the hospital, and just evaluating, you know what, what does that look like how do we encourage that.
* A front group for the anti-graduated tax forces demanded today that Pritzker pull the proposal off the ballot. Pritzker’s response…
I would just say this is not a time for politics. We have too much to do to save people’s lives. We’re not focusing on, you know, legislative initiatives, other than focus right now on what it will take to provide the health care, and the unemployment and the services that people will need in what is going to be an increasingly difficult moment for everybody.
Thursday, Mar 19, 2020 - Posted by Advertising Department
[The following is a paid advertisement.]
The Illinois Kidney Care Alliance (IKCA) is a coalition of organizations, community groups and advocates, health professionals, and businesses from across our state advocating for some of Illinois’ most vulnerable people — those who are living with kidney failure, and their families.
In Illinois, some 30,000 people are currently on life-saving dialysis or awaiting a transplant. Approximately 59% of dialysis patients in Illinois are people of color. The incidence rate of kidney failure is expected to rise in the U.S. over the next decade – and is higher among African-Americans, Latinos and people of color than among whites.
The Illinois Kidney Care Alliance supports and helps craft public policy that protects those suffering from kidney failure, ensuring that patients’ needs come first. The well-being of patients and their families is our top concern. For more information, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and visit our website.
The outbreak of the respiratory virus began in China and was quickly spread around the world by air travelers, who ran high fevers. In the United States, it was first detected in Chicago, and 47 days later the World Health Organization declared a pandemic. By then it was too late: 110 million Americans were expected to become ill, leading to 7.7 million hospitalized and 586,000 dead.
That scenario, code-named “Crimson Contagion,” was simulated by the Trump administration’s Department of Health and Human Services in a series of exercises that ran from last January to August.
The simulation’s sobering results — contained in a draft report dated October 2019 that has not previously been reported — drove home just how underfunded, underprepared and uncoordinated the federal government would be for a life-or-death battle with a virus for which no treatment existed.
The draft report, marked “not to be disclosed,” laid out in stark detail repeated cases of “confusion” in the exercise. Federal agencies jockeyed over who was in charge. State officials and local hospitals struggled to figure out what kind of equipment was stockpiled or available. Cities and states went their own way on school closings.
Go read the whole thing. The draft report is here. Chicago and Illinois participated in that exercise, but I don’t know if they were ever given the results.
President Donald Trump on Thursday put the onus on governors to obtain the critical equipment their states need to fight the coronavirus pandemic, telling reporters that the federal government is “not a shipping clerk” for the potentially life-saving supplies.
Appearing at the daily press briefing of the White House coronavirus task force, the president defended his decision to invoke the Defense Production Act — which would allow the administration to direct U.S. industry to ramp up production of emergency medical provisions — without actually triggering the statute.
“Governors are supposed to be doing a lot of this work, and they are doing a lot of this work,” Trump said. “The Federal government is not supposed to be out there buying vast amounts of items and then shipping. You know, we’re not a shipping clerk.”
The president’s remarks amounted to a rebuke of governors’ recent pleas for more robust federal intervention amid the rapidly spreading outbreak, which they warn will soon overwhelm local health care systems if hospital beds, face masks and other necessities are not soon furnished in significantly greater numbers.
*Hard sigh* As a buddy of mine just said, “There is an actual federal stockpile of things like PPE to ship to states. That is what they do.”
*** UPDATE *** Speaking of supplies, here’s the IHA…
The Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA) today issued a plea to the leaders of associations for the construction industry, dentists, veterinarians, and other groups that may be able to help the state’s more than 200 hospitals protect their healthcare workers as they care for COVID-19 patients. IHA is asking the organizations to donate face masks or N95s to their local hospitals.
“Hospitals all over the state are in jeopardy of potentially running out of critically needed protective medical supplies,” said Illinois Health and Hospital Association President and CEO A.J. Wilhelmi. “With continuing uncertainties about global and U.S. supplies of face masks, we urgently need to find alternative supplies, no matter where they are, so our hospitals can continue to provide life-saving care to current and future COVID-19 patients.”
The text of Wilhelmi’s message is as follows:
Subject: Illinois Hospitals Need Your Help - Request for Face Masks (N95s)
I am making an unusual, but critically important personal plea to you for help.
As you may be aware, Illinois hospitals and health systems are facing a critical shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as they care for increasing numbers of patients with COVID-19. Yesterday, the number of COVID-19 cases in Illinois nearly doubled to 288. We anticipate that the number of cases will increase dramatically in the coming days and weeks, exhausting all the PPE at hospitals, including gowns, gloves, eye shields and, especially, medical masks (specifically, standard surgical masks and N95s, which have NIOSH or FDA approval, including expired N95s).
PPE is critical to protecting our frontline healthcare workforce from infection when testing and treating patients for COVID-19, keeping our dedicated physicians, nurses, technicians and others in our hospitals where they are needed most.
Earlier this week, you may have seen or heard that Vice President Mike Pence asked all construction companies to donate unused/packaged N95 masks to their local hospitals and to limit ordering more:
“We would make one specific request, and that is we would urge construction companies to donate their inventory of N95 masks to your local hospital and forgo additional orders of those industrial masks…Because of what the president asked to be included in legislation moving through the Congress, those industrial masks that they use on construction sites are perfectly acceptable for healthcare workers to be protected from a respiratory disease.” (See a news story on the Vice President’s remarks at a White House press conference)
In addition, there may be available N95 masks from dental offices or other healthcare facilities that have been temporarily shuttered because of the COVID-19 crisis.
On behalf of more than 200 hospitals and health systems across Illinois, I ask you to donate N95s to your local hospitals. We greatly appreciate any help you can provide to protect healthcare workers as they provide life-saving care to patients during this crisis. Thanks for considering, and please let me know if you have any questions or need more information.
Labor leaders in the Chicago area and nationally Thursday urged private employers to pay workers during furloughs and called for federal legislation to ensure the continued flow of money and benefits to people — and not corporations — as the nation’s economic paralysis spreads because of the pandemic.
“Workers are making sacrifices right now,” said Robert Reiter Jr., president of the Chicago Federation of Labor. “We cannot let those sacrifices be in vain.”
He called on private employers to help their staffs. “This is a time when folks have to step up,” Reiter said.
Also, click here for an informational thread on prisoner release.
* As I told you earlier today, the entire Georgia state legislature is under self-quarantine after a member showed up to vote who later tested positive for COVID-19.
From a press release…
U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Rob Portman (R-OH) today introduced a bipartisan resolution to amend the Standing Rules of the Senate to allow senators to vote remotely during a national crisis. … The Senate would have to vote to renew remote voting every 30 days.
Sessions of each house of the General Assembly and meetings of committees, joint committees and legislative commissions shall be open to the public. Sessions and committee meetings of a house may be closed to the public if two-thirds of the members elected to that house determine that the public interest so requires; and meetings of joint committees and legislative commissions may be so closed if two-thirds of the members elected to each house so determine.
* A very able attorney and lobbyist who’s been around a while counsels against reinterpreting that passage with legislation to allow remote voting or taking a two-thirds vote to close public access…
Do I think there’s a way to legislate without being in Springfield? Yes.
Do I think it’s a good idea at this point? No.
Please don’t think I’m saying they should run down and vote on random things. But I think, at this point, they should work out what is essential, what needs to be voted on, and then if they need to vote, structure a roll call and go vote. Then every person who is there is quarantined for 14 days.
To have a truly functioning government - at least a democratic one - you have to ensure the public has access to their public officials in some capacity. And you have to have at least the appearance that government is functioning and working when everyone isn’t. In the coming weeks people will be looking at their local leaders in a way they never have before.
If every member of the GA self-quarantined as of last week when they were told to, they could go to Springfield in 8-10 days. And then leave and re-quarantine for 14 days when they leave.
Except lots didn’t self-quarantine. And if they don’t anticipate every problem that’s going to come up between now and May 31, they’ll have to come back.
* The Question: Should the General Assembly authorize secure remote voting (which would require one trip to Springfield, followed by a self-quarantine), or should the minimum number for a quorum come to Springfield once, vote on a limited agenda and then go home and self-quarantine until it is safe to return? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please…
Last week I was in Egypt. After returning, I elected to stay home for 14 days as per the CDC recommendations. Now, the rumor across the area is that I have the coronavirus infection, which is totally and unequivocally not true. But no matter what you do, you can’t stop rumors like this.
These rumors have to stop or we’re going to drive ourselves insane and people will definitely be hurt.
Keep calm and be smart.
I ran some errands the other day and a receptionist was complaining that the city of Champaign was seizing guns. I told her it isn’t happening. She defiantly refused to believe me, even though I do this for a living. It’s not happening.
* The mere introduction of this ordinance prompted tons of rumors this week that Springfield would be shut down…
In Springfield, officials introduced a measure this week to allow the mayor to declare an emergency and establish a curfew.
It won’t even be voted on until next Tuesday. Could it happen then? Maybe. The mayor should be explaining things better.
I heard one rumor a few days ago that all access to Springfield would be immediately sealed off. Um, no.
Please, calm down, people. Maybe get off Facebook for a while. My life was dramatically improved by simply deleting that app from my phone. I still access it with my desktop computer, but it feels less stressful. At the least, cull your friend list. And do your part by sending the rumor mongers to Snopes or the CDC or the state’s new website or reputable local news outlets.
Don’t retweet or post things on Facebook without first checking the source. If it’s someone with a rose next to their name or those big red X’s with 20 followers, that’s a pretty good indication you need to move along. Verify, verify, verify and block or call out the mongers.
* Speaking of local media outlets, particularly the TV stations: Stop posting scary, half-true click-bait headlines. This is a scary time. Scary headlines can’t be avoided. But scary coronavirus headlines that needlessly generate panic with half-true claims should be avoided.
WICS TV, which has been the absolute worst at clickbait tweets, has finally calmed itself down in recent days. Everyone needs to do the same.
All of Georgia’s state lawmakers were urged Wednesday to self-isolate themselves for weeks after a state senator who participated in a Monday vote disclosed he tested positive for the disease caused by coronavirus.
State Sen. Brandon Beach said he was screened for the disease Saturday when he sought medical attention for a cough and mild fever, but that the test results didn’t arrive until Wednesday.
In between, the Alpharetta Republican said he felt healthy enough to join dozens of legislators, staff members and reporters for a one-day special legislative session at the Capitol to grant Gov. Brian Kemp broad powers to respond to the pandemic.
The positive test triggered emails from Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan and House Speaker David Ralston recommending that all 236 state lawmakers, as well as dozens of staffers from both chambers, quarantine themselves through March 30.
* We’ve already talked about how Sen. Dave Syverson and Rep. John Cabello, both Winnebago County Republicans, are upset at Gov. Pritzker’s order to shut down bars and restaurants.
They’ve been harshly criticized by other local leaders, but they’re sticking to their opposition. Here’s Richard Bodee at WREX…
We asked both Sen. Syverson and Rep. Cabello about their thoughts on social distancing, the preferred method the CDC recommends people use.
“It’s not for me to question the medical experts who say that,” Sen. Syverson says. “Do the [right] things, wash your hands, social distance.”
“If the people who want to open their business, keep it open, we should let them do that,” Rep. Cabello says.
We tried to ask Cabello if he stood by that, even if it meant hurting people who are immunocompromised.
“I’m not a doctor,” Cabello says.
OK, you’re not doctors. How about listening to some doctors?
…Adding… Some advice from actual doctors…
* Rep. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) initially questioned the need for parade cancellations and the restaurant/tavern shutdowns and implied that the virus was a Chicago problem so the measures shouldn’t be applied to the entire state and also wondered if the governor actually had the power to take his actions. Well, the Eastern Bloc member has completely changed his tone. From a March 16 press release…
State Rep. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) continues to monitor the on-going situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in Illinois. At the daily press briefing by Governor JB Pritzker, 105 cases have been confirmed in Illinois including those who have recovered, and two more counties have identified people who tested positive for the COVID-19, Peoria and Will.
“We need to continue to use common sense with personal hygiene and limiting the size of groups we are congregating around,” commented Rep. Bailey. “According to the Illinois Department of Public Health director, the most vulnerable people for experiencing the harshest reactions to the virus are the elderly, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems.”
The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 12 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) across Illinois, on Monday, bringing the total to 105 in Illinois. No cases have been announced in the 109th District, as testing progresses, this is likely to change. We should expect this and it is not a reason for panic.
The new Republican nominee for U.S. Senate questions whether the state and national response to the coronavirus pandemic has gone too far.
Appearing live on WMAY, former Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran, Jr. said if he were in the Senate, he would be asking whether it’s really necessary to shut down large numbers of businesses and make people stay at home… or whether those efforts should have been focused on just those who are most vulnerable to the virus. Curran admits he doesn’t have all the answers… but says there should have been more discussion about the measures being taken.
Everyone is vulnerable to this virus. Saying stuff like that is the exact sort of thing which encourages young people to crowd beaches.
Indicted Ald. Edward Burke (14th) has already been stripped of his two biggest power bases: chairman of the City Council’s Finance Committee and head of judicial slatemaking for the Cook County Democratic Party.
Now, he’s lost the one job he has held the longest: 14th Ward Democratic committeeperson.
State Rep. Aaron Ortiz, whose 2018 victory over Burke’s brother Dan was the beginning of the end for the Burke family dynasty, declared victory over Edward Burke in a three-way race. Burke has held the committeeperson job since his father’s death in 1968.
Ortiz got 40.4% of the vote to Burke’s 32.8%. Alicia Elena Martinez got 26.7%, with 29 out of 31 precincts reporting. She was widely viewed as a candidate put up by Burke to divide the vote and pave the way for his re-election.
Martinez didn’t do much of anything and raised no money. She passed one piece of literature that played up her family ties to police. Burke should’ve thrown her a few bucks.
As Illinois and the nation enters the first week of unprecedented shutdowns of government and private business, the hardworking members of Local 881 United Food and Commercial Workers remain on the front lines of the societal and economic crisis that COVID-19 presents.
Staffing hundreds of grocery stores and pharmacies across Illinois and Northwest Indiana, Local 881 UFCW members are providing a vital link to millions of families who need to access food, prescriptions, and household products that allow them to stay home safely and help flatten the curve. Local 881 UFCW members are putting in thousands of hours at risk to their own health, to ensure stores remain stocked and sanitized, and will remain on the leading edge of the state’s response to this health crisis.
Local 881 UFCW staff and leadership have been in constant communication with our employer partners, government officials at all levels, and our membership to advocate for member’s safety and rights during this time. We are particularly thankful to have strong and responsive leaders like Governor Pritzker, Mayor Lightfoot, and the members of our Congressional delegation who are approaching this crisis with the needs of working families first and foremost.
To that end, Local 881 UFCW President and International Vice President, Steve Powell, today released the following list of requests to local, state, and federal leadership in Illinois:
· Grocery, retail, and pharmacy Union members are staffing the front lines of this public health crisis. As we have witnessed the demand for food and supplies reach unprecedented levels, our hardworking men and women are working tirelessly to meet the needs of the Illinois citizens. I ask that Local 881 workers be designated as first responders and be recognized as the essential workers they are in the midst of this crisis.
· In the event of local travel restrictions or curfews, I request that Local 881 members be given permission and protection in order to safely commute to and from their work locations in order to perform their essential jobs by showing proof of employment or their Union membership card.
· In light of the recent guidelines limiting gathering and event sizes, I ask you to provide a more comprehensive plan that protects our workers and community within stores by providing crowd control measures or specific limits to the number of people allowed in stores at any given time. We continue to call on our employers to provide protective measures and supplies to all members who are working in the stores, particularly those in the check-outs, who are coming into contact with hundreds of customers in an average shift.
· We are calling on the Illinois Congressional delegation to do the right thing by amending the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to recognize our country’s grocery, retail, and food processing workers as first responders. We ask that they use the federal relief legislation to guarantee that all of these workers receive at least two weeks of paid leave. This will ensure that our members can continue to serve their communities without having to choose between their health and their paycheck.
Chicago Public Library will close most but not all of its locations, drawing the ire of the union representing municipal employees who demanded all libraries be closed.
CPL made the announcement Wednesday night, saying they were making the reductions in 61 locations to ensure the health and safety of residents. Twenty libraries, including Harold Washington Library, will remain open. The closures will begin at the end of Saturday, March 21.
“Chicago libraries serve as social safety nets for our communities – where our young people become lifelong learners and technology centers connect our residents to the world,” Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot said in the statement. “Although some libraries will close to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we know residents and neighborhoods will continue to need access to the resources they provide.”
* AFSCME Council 31…
This afternoon, the union was informed that the city intends to keep 20 library branches open despite the coronavirus pandemic and has directed “all full-time direct public service staff” to continue to report to work. AFSCME Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch issued this statement in response:
“Our union recognizes the vital role that our city’s public libraries play in educating children, expanding knowledge and building community connections. But those valuable collective assets must be balanced against the urgent need to protect the health and well-being of library patrons and employees and help contain the spread of the coronavirus.
“Libraries are highly social venues which by their very nature contravene the directives for social distancing that have come from every reputable public health authority. The benefits of keeping even a reduced number of libraries open cannot justify the risks involved at a time when both the governor and mayor have stressed the urgency of preventing community transmission to slow this pandemic. The American Library Association has called for nationwide closures and countless cities have complied.
“The heart and soul of our libraries are the staff who welcome, assist and uplift patrons of every age and background every day. CPL will not be able to fulfill its mission if those employees are fearful and feeling abandoned by those who should be concerned with their well-being.
“AFSCME is calling for all CPL branches to be closed to the public. At the same time, we stand ready to work with the Administration to expand electronic access to library resources, staff and programs during this crisis.”
Public health officials encourage “social distancing” now but they also worry it is leading to a shortage of donated blood.
The American Red Cross, which supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood, says donor drives across the country have been cancelled “at an alarming rate” and the organization now faces a “severe blood shortage.”
“In really good times we may have five days of inventory available for our hospital clients and now we’re running at a day or day-and-a-half in some cases,” says Chris Hrouda, president of Biomedical Services for the Red Cross.
As of Tuesday, the Red Cross says about 2,700 blood drives had been canceled because of concerns about people gathering at workplaces, college campuses and schools — all places where drives typically take place. The organization estimates that’s resulted in 86,000 fewer blood donations because 80% of the blood it collects comes from drives held at these locations.
Vitalant, which collects blood from donors across the country, has seen 10 blood donation drives canceled in the Chicago area in recent days over fears about COVID-19. Vitalant typically holds about six or seven drives a day in the Chicago area, said Eva Quinley, Vitalant regional director.
Vitalant has also seen a 30% to 40% drop-off in donations in recent days, she said.
“Vitalant has now had almost 1,000 units of blood canceled in the past two days and expect more,” Quinley said in an email Thursday. “We are going to have an unprecedented blood shortage.”
* I’m not allowed to donate blood because I lived on a military base in Germany in 1980 with my parents. The military bought beef at the time that wasn’t screened for Mad Cow Disease (remember that?).
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give blood if you possibly can.
So, click here to locate your local Red Cross blood donation center and get over there as quickly as you can. Thanks!
The west suburban village of Oak Park is urging residents to shelter in place for two weeks as the number of coronavirus cases in Illinois reached 288.
Oak Park Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb declared a local state of emergency Wednesday due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The village’s Public Health Director Mike Charley issued a public order requiring residents to shelter in place starting Friday, March 20, through April 3.
* Let’s take a look at the definitions section, which is where the meat is. The order includes numerous exemptions…
a. For purposes of this Order, individuals may leave their residence only to perform any of the following “Essential Activities.” But people at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and people who are sick are urged to stay in their residence to the extent possible except as necessary to seek medical care.
i. To engage in activities or perform tasks essential to their health and safety, or to the health and safety of their family or household members (including, but not limited to, pets), such as, by way of example only and without limitation, obtaining medical supplies or medication, visiting a health care professional, or obtaining supplies they need to work from home;
ii. To obtain necessary services or supplies for themselves and their family or household members, or to deliver those services or supplies to others, such as, by way of example only and without limitation, canned food, dry goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, pet supply, fresh meats, fish, and poultry, and any other household consumer products, and products necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences;
iii. To engage in outdoor activity, provided the individuals comply with Social Distancing Requirements as defined in this Section, such as, by way of example and without limitation, walking, hiking, or running;
iv. To perform work providing essential products and services at an Essential Business or to otherwise carry out activities specifically permitted in this Order, including Minimum Basic Operations; or
v. To care for a family member or pet in another household.
b. For purposes of this Order, individuals may leave their residence to work for or obtain services at any “Healthcare Operations” including hospitals, clinics, dentists, pharmacies, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, other healthcare facilities, healthcare suppliers, home healthcare services providers, mental health providers, medical cannabis dispensaries and related retail sales or any related and/or ancillary healthcare services. “Healthcare Operations” also includes veterinary care and all healthcare services provided to animals. This exemption shall be construed broadly to avoid any impacts to the delivery of healthcare, broadly defined. “Healthcare Operations” does not include fitness and exercise gyms and similar facilities.
c. For purposes of this Order, individuals may leave their residence to provide any services or perform any work necessary to the operations and maintenance of “Essential Infrastructure,” including, but not limited to, public works construction, construction of housing (in particular affordable housing or housing for individuals experiencing homelessness), airport operations, water, sewer, gas, electrical, oil refining, roads and highways, public transportation, solid waste collection and removal, internet, and telecommunications systems (including the provision of essential global, national, and local infrastructure for computing services, business infrastructure, communications, and web-based services), provided that they carry out those services or that work in compliance with Social Distancing Requirements as defined this Section, to the extent possible. Upon application of hardship by the Village’s Chief Building Official, the Public Health Director may authorize limited private construction activities not limited to the matters set forth in this section.
d. For purposes of this Order, all sworn Police Department and Fire Department personnel (“First Responders”), emergency management personnel, emergency dispatchers, court personnel, and law enforcement personnel, and others working for or to support Essential Businesses are categorically exempt from this Order. Further, nothing in this Order shall prohibit any individual from performing or accessing “Essential Governmental Functions.” Essential Government Functions means all services needed to ensure the continuing operation of the government agencies and provide for the health, safety and welfare of the public and all agencies that provide for the health, safety and welfare of the public. All Essential Governmental Functions shall be performed in compliance with Social Distancing Requirements as defined this Section, to the extent possible.
e. For the purposes of this Order, covered businesses include any for-profit, non-profit, or educational entities, regardless of the nature of the service, the function they perform, or its corporate or entity structure.
f. For the purposes of this Order, “Essential Businesses” means:
i. Healthcare Operations and Essential Infrastructure;
ii. Grocery stores, supermarkets, food banks, convenience stores, and other establishments engaged in the retail sale of canned food, dry goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, pet supply, fresh meats, fish, and poultry, and any other household consumer products (such as cleaning and personal care products). This includes stores that sell groceries and also sell other non-grocery products, and products necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences;
iii. Food cultivation, including farming, livestock, and fishing;
iv. Businesses that provide food, shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals;
v. Newspapers, television, radio, and other media services;
vi. Gas stations and auto-supply, auto-repair, and related facilities;
vii. Banks and related financial institutions;
viii. Hardware stores;
ix. Plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, Essential Activities, and Essential Businesses;
x. Businesses providing mailing and shipping services, including post office boxes;
xi. Educational institutions—including public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and universities—for purposes of facilitating distance learning or performing essential functions, provided that social distancing of six-feet per person is maintained to the greatest extent possible;
xii. Laundromats, dry cleaners, and laundry service providers;
xiii. Restaurants and other facilities that prepare and serve food, but only for delivery or carry out. Schools and other entities that typically provide free food services to students or members of the public may continue to do so under this Order on the condition that the food is provided to students or members of the public on a pick-up and takeaway basis only. Schools and other entities that provide food services under this exemption shall not permit the food to be eaten at the site where it is provided, or at any other gathering site;
xiv. Businesses that supply products needed for people to work from home;
xv. Businesses that supply other essential businesses with the support or supplies necessary to operate;
xvi. Businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, goods or services directly to residences;
xvii. Airlines, taxis, and other private transportation providers providing transportation services necessary for Essential Activities and other purposes expressly authorized in this Order;
xviii. Home-based care for seniors, adults, or children;
xix. Residential facilities and shelters for seniors, adults, and children;
xx. Professional services, such as legal or accounting services, when necessary to assist in compliance with legally mandated activities; and
xxi. Childcare facilities providing services that enable employees exempted in this Order to work as permitted. To the extent possible, childcare facilities must operate under the following mandatory conditions:
1. Childcare must be carried out in stable groups of 12 or fewer (“stable” means that the same 12 or fewer children are in the same group each day).
2. Children shall not change from one group to another.
3. If more than one group of children is cared for at one facility, each group shall be in a separate room. Groups shall not mix with each other.
4. Childcare providers shall remain solely with one group of children.
g. For the purposes of this Order, “Minimum Basic Operations” include the following, provided that employees comply with Social Distancing Requirements as defined this Section, to the extent possible, while carrying out such operations:
i. The minimum necessary activities to maintain the value of the business’s inventory, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits, or for related functions; or
ii. The minimum necessary activities to facilitate employees of the business being able to continue to work remotely from their residences.
i. Any travel related to the provision of or access to Essential Activities, Essential Governmental Functions, Essential Businesses, or Minimum Basic Operations;
ii. Travel to care for elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons;
iii. Travel to or from educational institutions for purposes of receiving materials for distance learning, for receiving meals, and any other related services;
iv. Travel to return to a place of residence from outside the jurisdiction;
v. Travel required by law enforcement or court order; or
vi. Travel required for non-residents to return to their place of residence outside the Village. Individuals are strongly encouraged to verify that their transportation out of the Village remains available and functional prior to commencing such travel.
i. For purposes of this Order, residences include hotels, motels, shared rental units, and similar facilities.
j. For purposes of this order Social Distancing Requirements includes maintaining at least six-foot social distancing from other individuals, washing hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds as frequently as possible or using hand sanitizer, covering coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not hands), regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces, and not shaking hands.
* Out of the blue last month I received an email from former Rep. Helen Satterthwaite (D-Urbana). She asked me a question and I responded and asked how she was getting along…
At 91 plus I am doing pretty well, living at Clark-Lindsey Village in Urbana, planning to be an election judge on March 17 (it will keep me from biting my nails all day waiting for results), enjoying being surrounded by friends and family. Glad my stint in the legislature was then, not now.
Always happy to read your articles. They’re great; keep them coming!
Helen served in the House from 1975 until 1993. She was remapped into Republican turf when the GOP drew the map. I was just so pleased to hear from her. She was a grande dame of the General Assembly in those days.
* Then, I received an email yesterday from former Champaign County Clerk Mark Shelden, a Republican I’ve known since he was on House GOP staff…
Rich,
Yesterday I went to vote at my polling place. An assisted living facility, Clark-Lindsey Village decided to not be a polling place and that precinct was moved into my polling place. When I went to cast my ballot, I was greeted by Helen Satterthwaite. When I was County Clerk she served as an election coordinator for me on election days and now was back to being a judge.
I was then told by one of the other judges that her one day stint as an election judge was going to require her to be quarantined at her Clark-Lindsey Village apartment for two weeks.
I posted it on my Facebook page and then one of my friends contacted WCIA. They did a story on it.
It’s amazing that it’s been 27 years since she left the GA. Old timers know her well, but everyone should admire her dedication. Perhaps during her two week quarantine a few people could drop her a note.
Helen Satterthwaite
Clark-Lindsey Village
101 W Windsor Rd
Urbana, IL 61802
* I asked for permission to publish the WCIA story in its entirety…
Voters in Illinois were hitting the polls Tuesday. While those who came out were taking precautions due to coronavirus, one election judge took the risk even though it means quarantine.
“I was all psyched up and ready to participate,” says former Illinois Representative Helen Satterthwaite. “In a way, it would have been kind of a disappointment not to participate today.”
Satterthwaite has been an election judge for longer than she can remember. Now, she is 91-years old and lives at Clark-Lindsey Village in Urbana. The retirement community enacted a policy Tuesday that says residents who leave campus will have to self-quarantine when they get back. Satterthwaite was originally going to work polls at the retirement community, but she wanted to keep doing her civic duty when things changed.
“When we had to relocate, and some of the judges were no longer able to participate, I thought it would be putting a burden on the County Clerk’s Office to have myself being replaced. As well as all the others,” says Satterthwaite.
She is preparing for two weeks in quarantine. She says she knows Clark-Lindsey will take good care of her in that time. But on election day, she knew she could only be on the front lines.
“I think it’s better than sitting at home wondering what’s happening to an election,” says Satterthwaite. “It’s better to be a part of it instead.”
Wow! I haven’t had this much attention in a long while. I enjoyed the comments from so many folks that I haven’t heard from in a long time. You certainly have a good readership.
While I appreciate the attention, let’s not forget all those unsung workers who kept things going on election day — at the clerk’s office as well as at the polls. Good troupers, all.
Last Monday, just nine days ago, our known count case, case count sorry was at 11. Our known case count was at 11, and it was all in one county in Cook County.
Yesterday, we had 160 cases reported in 15 counties. Today, our total is 288 across 17 counties, and people of all ages from nine to 99 have contracted COVID-19.
We know this in part due to an increase in testing but also, we know it is spreading this virus knows no boundaries.
As we move forward the administration will continue to use every tool at our disposal to respond to this unprecedented challenge, and to keep people safe.
But as rumors continue to swirl. I do want to assure all of you, essential services will always remain available grocery stores pharmacies gas stations, the things we all need will not be closing down.
I’ll let [IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike] speak to the specifics of the new cases in a moment, but I want to be clear, Illinois is being recognized as a national leader in response to COVID-19. But even so, these numbers will get much worse in Illinois before they will get better.
But it’s precisely because things will get worse, that we must maintain our common values as Illinoisans demonstrating our generosity and our unity.
A few blocks from where we stand now, since the headquarters of the Knights of Columbus branch here in Murphysboro. Every year Murphysboro Knights of Columbus host Friday fish fries during Lent, attracting hundreds of area residents for laughs and good times, community, and celebration.
Until now, this year had looked no different. But the Murphysboro Knights of Columbus didn’t look at the worst of the world outside and declare the end of their tradition.
Two days from now the Murphysboro Knights of Columbus will still have their fish fry. But this year, they will be handing out hundreds of meals through drive thru pickup, a community coming together, providing meals to support their neighbors and keeping each other safe when this is all over we will still have each other. So let’s hang on to that comfort and allow the bonds that connect us to carry us forward.
And, remember, I’m using Otter for transcription, so pardon the typos. This post will be updated.
Jackson County Board Chairman Keith Larkin said “Don’t let fear steal your humanity.”
* Pritzker was asked about a potential lockdown…
What I would say is that we should look at the mistakes that were made in Europe as this crisis was coming upon them, as this Coronavirus was spreading. And we should, it should be a cautionary tale, to all of us that we need to make sure that we’re distancing ourselves, socially distancing ourselves, that people are isolating themselves when they feel, you know that they might have even a cold.
Please stay home. If you have the flu please stay home. If you don’t feel well please stay home because here’s why. Yes, you may not have the coronavirus, but if you get somebody else sick, and then they get Coronavirus, or if you get Coronavirus while you are sick with the flu or a cold, your risk goes up significantly. And you’re putting other people at risk when you go out and potentially transmit whatever it is that you may have. And by the way, you should just assume that you may have Corona virus, just assume that, what would you do, you should self isolate that is the right thing to do so. If you’re not feeling well stay at home my point in pointing to Europe is we need to avoid what happened in Italy, we need to take the actions now to make sure that we do that.
* Pritzker was asked if he would call a special session…
I think, again, we need to make sure that we’re doing this in, in a way that’s healthy and safe. You know that when you open up the Capitol, you’re not just talking about the 177 members of the General Assembly that come. And that’s a gathering that is suggested not to happen according to all the guidelines and of course the order that I gave here in Illinois. But it also includes lobbyists and other people and the staff people that, many staff people who work in the Capitol. So, it is very important for the legislature to, to take that into account to consider what the you know the right thing to do for the legislature is. And so I’ll work with them on that we need to work together.
* The City of Chicago is currently denying FOIA requests during the emergency and Pritzker was asked if he is doing the same…
We will continue to respond to FOIA requests. I would ask members of the media and the public who put in FOIA requests to have some patience because we do have people working at home. We have fewer staff people in the office who are able to access the kinds of documents that people are looking for in their FOIA requests, so hopefully people will be a bit patient but we intend to fulfill FOIA.
* On testing…
CEOs around the country, especially ones that have facilities and do business in the state of Illinois and know us, have been very willing to step up and help us out to take pieces of their supply and send it to us, even separate from what they’re doing, across the rest of the United States. Not putting us in line, but putting us a little bit ahead of the line in the last few days so we’ve increased our testing capability. I just heard that one of our labs today at 1230 received the ability to do thousands more tests, because of work that was done by our staff. And so I’m very happy to say that we’re, be able to do more tests. It’s still not enough to be clear you’re talking about thousands of tests. We need to be able to test many more people than that.
Now, I believe the federal government which has been trying very hard for a long time to expand testing is almost there. They keep telling me that I believe that. Now that may be in the next three days that we’re going to start to see thousands and thousands and thousands more tests for the state of Illinois. So, I will keep reporting to you what I know and what I hear. You know I guess I feel a little bit sometimes like Charlie Brown with Lucy and the football with the federal government because there are some terrific people who work at the federal government. There are people at the CDC, you know, and in the, you know, in the second and third rungs at the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, who are trying very hard to do the right thing. And those are the people that I’m trying to talk to and implore to help us in the state of Illinois and we’re getting some pretty good response from it.
* Possible prisoner release…
We’ve looked at what types of people we think should be considered eligible for that. You know, that’s, that’s something that I’m always looking about because are, you know, we should do something about the nearly 40,000 prisoners that we have in the state of Illinois.
Having said that, there are some very dangerous people who should not be considered, but there are others that are very vulnerable and who have committed some non violent offense, and who should be first in line if we were to do something like that.
The Illinois Department of Public Health today announced 128 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) across Illinois. Two additional counties are now reporting cases; Kendall and Madison counties.
An additional 20 individuals at the long-term care facility in DuPage County experiencing an outbreak have tested positive, bringing the total to 42 (30 residents and 12 staff).
Currently, IDPH is reporting 288 cases in 17 counties in Illinois. Cases have occurred in ages 9 to 91. Cases by county can be found on the IDPH website, as well as a list of local health departments who will have the most up to date information.
Today, the Illinois Commerce Commission passed several emergency orders in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, including placing moratoriums on utility disconnections as well as on in-person solicitation by alternative retail electric and gas suppliers.
The Commission further opened an inquiry into energy affordability and ordered Peoples Gas to submit a formal response to the recently published engineering study of its distribution system, a study criticized by Illinois PIRG Education Fund for ignoring tough questions facing the troubled Peoples Gas pipe replacement program.
Illinois PIRG Education Fund Director Abe Scarr released the following statement in response:
Thank you Chairperson Zalewski and the Illinois Commerce Commission for taking swift action to protect the public health of Illinois residents by placing moratoriums on utility disconnections and on in-person alternative retail energy supply solicitation.
It’s critical that everyone stay home as much as possible to slow the spread of Covid-19. For many, this means a challenging combination of lost income and higher utility bills. No one should lose essential utility service during a pandemic and be forced from home to stay warm, cook, or power electronics.
We applaud the Commission’s order requiring a formal response from Peoples Gas to its recently published engineering study, a study which did not include critical considerations such as logistical challenges and costs to customers. This action presents an opportunity for the Commission to fulfil its regulatory responsibility and reform the poorly designed, mismanaged Peoples Gas pipe replacement program.
* Mayor Lightfoot…
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot today announced that the City of Chicago will be temporarily suspending debt collection practices and non-safety related citations and impounds, as well as penalties for late payment. This penalty relief package directs a temporary suspension of late fees and defaults on payment plans, including city tickets, utility bills, parking and red-light citations, booting and other non-public safety relates violations. Additionally, there will be no new interest accumulated on current compliance plans.
These measures represent the first steps of the administration’s efforts to help reduce the financial impact of COVID-19 on city residents and take effect immediately today through April 30, 2020.
“This is a common sense way that we can help mitigate the burdens and pressures many are feeling. We know that these practices disproportionately impact the residents that are most in need during this crisis,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “We realize that many of our residents are strapped for cash right now as the effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus has created difficult economic circumstances for those who are unable to work. We don’t want to further impact people who can’t afford to pay these penalties today and want to provide some breathing room to help them prioritize how to address their financial obligations.”
Today’s hold harmless announcement also includes the temporary suspension of payment plan defaults and non-safety impounds and an extended deadline for city debt checks on transportation network provider and taxi drivers. Other financial relief efforts include:
Ticket Issuance
Enforcement will be prioritized for safety-related violations.
Enforcement on compliance-related violations will be suspended until April 30, 2020
Parking, Red Light, Speed Camera Violation Collections
Delay assessment of penalty (ticket doubling) until after April 30, 2020
Delay driver’s license suspension until after April 30, 2020
No Booting until after April 30, 2020
Delay referral of tickets to collection firms until after April 30, 2020
No defaults of payment plans for until after April 30, 2020
Utility Bills
Extend due dates until after April 30, 2020 delaying assessment of penalties
Delay referrals to collection firms until after April 30, 2020
No defaults of payment plans until after April 30, 2020
Administrative Hearing Collections
Extend due dates until after April 30, 2020 (this will delay assessment of interest)
Delay referrals to collection firms until after April 30, 2020
No defaults of payment plans until after April 30, 2020
Other Collection Efforts
Extend deadline for TNP and taxi drivers to pay debt to April 30
No debt holds on new licenses or permits
Law firms and collection agencies will cease collection efforts.
In recent days, several other City government operations have moved into reduced hours or full closure, including: City Hall, Administrative Hearings, Navy Pier and Chicago Public Schools. However, Mayor Lightfoot’s administration remains committed to ensuring all vital services and supports will remain in place for residents during this time. Given the rapidly evolving nature of this situation, the City is working diligently to provide timely and transparent updates on changes that pertain to all Chicagoans.
The deluge into unemployment offices is beginning to strain systems. In Ohio, the Department of Job and Family Services said 36,645 claims were filed Monday. That’s typically what the department receives each month, The Columbus Dispatch noted.
Pennsylvania saw more than 50,000 on Monday and more than that on Tuesday, according to a tally from economist Jacob Robbins and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Minnesota officials saw more than 31,000 applications on Monday and Tuesday, the Star Tribune reported. In New Jersey, 15,000 applications arrived on Monday, causing the state’s website to crash, local affiliate WHYY reported.
* I asked the Illinois Department of Employment Security about the situation here…
Hi Rich –
Over the last two days, IDES has received over 41,000 unemployment benefit claims, compared to the same two days during the corresponding week last year, when IDES received 4,445 unemployment benefit claims.
Please be advised that the session days scheduled for next week will be cancelled; however, as I indicated in my communication earlier this week, the session schedule is “in flux,” and members should be prepared to return to Springfield to address urgent matters. Regarding the committee deadline for House bills, which was set for March 27, that will be extended to April 3; this and other deadlines will be reviewed and extended when needed moving forward.
Generally, members should be re-evaluating any and all travel plans, including those made for the weeks of April 5 and April 12 (the legislative spring break). This is not only due to the need to practice social distancing to safeguard the health of our communities, but also due to the possible need to return to Springfield for session during that time period.
Furthermore, we are planning to have a conference call for all caucus members. We’re planning for tomorrow, but still finalizing the details – more info on this will be sent to members as soon as possible. The agenda will include a status update on the progress of various working groups.
Take care and be well,
Jessica
Jessica Basham, Chief of Staff
Office of the Speaker
*** UPDATE *** The Senate has also canceled next week.
Setting the stage for what will be one of the fall’s most-watched national races, Illinois State Sen. Jim Oberweis claimed a narrow victory over fellow State Sen. Sue Rezin and political newcomer Catalina Lauf in Tuesday’s race to see which Republican would take on freshman Democratic U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood in the Nov. 3 general election. With 87% of precincts reporting, Oberweis had 12,305 votes to Rezin’s 11,154 and Lauf’s 10,075. […]
Until two years ago, the 14th Congressional District had been solidly Republican, with U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren of Plano winning four terms. Before that, an earlier version of the district had been represented for one term by Democrat Bill Foster. Until two years ago, Foster, who now represents the 11th District, had been the only Democrat to interrupt the Republican dominance that had been exerted for the previous 20 years by since-disgraced former Speaker Dennis Hastert of Plano.
OK, 6th Congressional District voters, get ready for an intense political journey to November because Jeanne Ives of Wheaton, a firebrand conservative, will take on Rep. Sean Casten of Downers Grove, a high-energy Democrat.
Ives, a former Illinois House member, was on track to soundly defeat Gordon (Jay) Kinzler. But that’s not what makes Ives so formidable. Two years ago she nearly upended Gov. Bruce Rauner in the gubernatorial primary by rallying conservatives who were disappointed in Rauner’s leadership. Her bona fides should play well in the 6th, a longtime Republican district. Casten, a freshman in Washington, was a first-time candidate in 2018 when he took out high-profile incumbent Peter Roskam.
Who’s got the edge in Casten vs. Ives? Hard to say. Casten, who had no primary challenger Tuesday, won in 2018 by riding the blue wave that saw Democrats take control of the House. He also spent nearly $6 million. This cycle, Casten has raised about $2.6 million, according to recent Federal Election Commission reports. Ives has raised about $900,000.
Both of those races will present voters with stark choices. President Trump won the Underwood district four years ago, but times have changed. Hillary Clinton won Casten’s district by 6 points. Ives has a very rough road ahead of her.
Mary Miller on Tuesday won the Republican nomination to seek the 15th District seat in the U.S. Congress, according to unofficial results. With 702 of 821 precincts counted, she collected 58 percent of the vote percent of the vote and was declared the winner by the Associated Press over three other candidates.
Kerry Wolff of Altamont had 12.6 percent of the GOP vote. Darren Duncan had 21.6 percent; Chuck Ellington had 7.9 percent.
The primary is the general in that district. Miller is married to state Rep. Chris Miller, a member of the Eastern Bloc, which, as I told subscribers this morning, did quite well yesterday.
Springfield Democrat Betsy Dirksen Londrigan is going to get her second chance in two years to take on U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, in a general election.
In the 13th Congressional District primary race, Londrigan, 48, defeated political newcomer Stefanie Smith, 36, of Urbana, by a wide margin.
In 2018, Londrigan came within a percentage point of defeating Davis, who was first elected to the House in 2012. He was unopposed in Tuesday’s Republican primary.
“I’m excited to take on Rodney Davis,” Londrigan said. “I’m excited to be in a position to stand up and protect people’s health care and be here in this race with my neighbors across central Illinois.”
That’s going to be another barn-burner unless the college students aren’t back in school by November.
And though veteran Reps. Danny Davis (7th) and Bill Foster (11th) won their races with ease, the margins were such that political veterans wonder if they’ll face tougher races next time. Davis won by 61 percent and Foster took 59 percent. When an incumbent falls under 65 percent in a primary, there’s an indication of unrest in their district. Under 60 and you’re in danger of losing your seat the next time around. Davis faced three upstarts in Tuesday’s race, and Foster was challenged by Will County Board member Rachel Ventura.
Davis is currently at 65.6 percent. Kristine Schanbacher spent six figures and finished with just 12.1 percent. Davis is probably fine. Remap is coming up, though, so we’ll see what happens to his district.
Foster is at 58.7 percent. Ventura is a Will County Board member and a Bernie Democrat and her showing was likely a direct result of that presidential campaign and her local work. Foster is most definitely not a Bernie Democrat. As long as he continues to work the district, he should be OK, but he apparently needs to take things more seriously next time around.
* US Rep. Dan Lipinski, meanwhile, is scheduled to speak with reporters this afternoon at 2:30. That’s the same time as Gov. JB Pritzker’s daily COVID-19 press conference, however, so he may alter those plans.
Also, the Dems are gonna rig it against their guy, but also somehow make sure that progressives like Kim Foxx win? I've had my fill of these folks the last week. So very glad that national caravan is finally moving on to other states.
It shouldn’t be surprising that Britain, which bravely survived being bombed every day by the Germans for months in WWII has come up with the adult and rational strategy to not only survive Coronavirus, but to defeat it and make it go away without causing massive damage to their economy. As the Germans bombed London every day causing massive damage, the Brits adopted the brave strategy of “Keep calm and carry on” and in the end they did just that and helped defeat Germany. And that is exactly what they are doing with the Coronavirus. While the rest of the world is collapsing under fear and hysteria and destroying their economies in defense of the Coronavirus by isolating everybody, Britain is using science, logic, bravery, and common sense to protect their people by just isolating vulnerable people, not strong and healthy people.
While most of the world is shutting down everything from restaurants, bars, travel, museums, sports, and even churches to isolate everybody which will cost trillions of dollars and cause massive economic harm for everybody, Britain is focusing on just isolating the most vulnerable people which are people over 60 with other health issues while letting the majority of people continue to live their lives with very little risk.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled much more stringent measures to tackle the coronavirus outbreak after new research indicated a quarter of a million people would have died under previous plans to control the spread of pandemic.
* As a result, things are starting to change on the right…
And now the left needs to start waking the heck up. If Fox News can change, so can everyone else. We need to take this more seriously, folks. A lot more seriously. And we need to try to pull together.
Chicagoans braced for the threat of coronavirus and plenty of mishaps at polling places to vote in the 2020 primary election — an election with at least two tight races that could be affected by what could be more than a quarter of a million ballots yet to be counted.
Chicago Board of Elections spokesman Jim Allen late Tuesday said 200,000 early voting ballots had yet to be counted, and a “potential universe” of another 70,000 mail-in ballots could arrive to be counted in the next two weeks.
“We’re going to be counting for another two weeks, easily,” Allen said.
Allen explained that the city’s election board normally shuts down early voting the Monday before Election Day. It gathers all the memory chips from machines to be able to report out all early voting data, like “one big happy family of data.”
“This time we had early voting open on Election Day and serving as precinct [polling places], so now those precincts are coming in with all early voting data, going back to Feb. 19th,” Allen said. “That’s 200,212 ballots.”
Keep that in mind.
You can see some five-day-old maps for vote by mail applications here, returned mail here and early voting here to give you a rough idea of what’s out there.
Challenger Marie Newman claimed victory over Rep. Dan Lipinski on Tuesday night in a rematch of their nationally watched Democratic congressional primary that was a battle between the party’s progressive and moderate wings.
The businesswoman from La Grange ended nearly four decades of Lipinski family control of the Southwest Side and southwest suburban congressional seat. The congressman’s father, William Lipinski, served from 1983 until 2005, when he engineered the appointment of his son.
“I am bursting with pride and gratitude for the amazing coalition who helped bring about much needed change in our district,” Newman said in a statement. “We are going to work together to lower healthcare costs, to fight climate change, and to continue building a hospitable community for everyone, no matter where you come from.
Ald. Edward M. Burke, the long-time 14th Ward Democratic Committeeperson, was in a close race to retain the seat against freshman state Rep. Aaron Ortiz, but his chief rival’s lead was growing.
Ortiz — who ousted Burke’s brother, state Rep. Dan Burke, just over a year ago — is leading with 40% of the vote to Burke’s 33%, with 94% of precincts reporting. Alicia Elena Martinez trails with 27% of the vote.
The too-close-to-call race — for now — leaves Burke’s seat, which he has held since 1968, up for grabs.
Illinois Supreme Court Justice P. Scott Neville Jr. looked poised to hold the seat on the high court he inherited from the late Justice Charles E. Freeman, but a strong challenge from Appellate Court Justice Jesse Reyes meant there was no clear winner in the race late Tuesday. […]
With 92 percent of precincts reporting, Neville led with 24.4 percent of the vote. Reyes had 21.3 percent, Harris had 16.1 percent, McBride had 12.7 percent, Cobbs had 12.9 percent, Epstein had 7.8 percent, and Howse had 4.8 percent.
* The state’s attorney’s race wasn’t close despite huge spending by Bill Conway…
With about 85% of precincts reporting at 10:30 p.m., Foxx had 48% of the vote and Conway had 33%. Two other challengers were polling a distant third and fourth.
* Press release…
State Rep. Yoni Pizer conceded to Margaret Croke in the race for 12th District State Representative on Tuesday.
“I congratulate Margaret Croke on her victory and a hard-fought campaign,” said Rep. Pizer. “I decided to step up and run because I believe strongly that representation matters. I was humbled and honored to be appointed the first-ever openly gay representative of the 12th District, which includes the historically LGBTQ community of Boystown. I intend to work with Representative-Elect Croke to ensure that it receives the representation we need and deserve.”
Anti-gun advocate Denyse Wang Stoneback appeared to have defeated appointed State Rep. Yehiel “Mark” Kalish (D-Skokie) in a race that centered on the Democratic Party’s push to expand access to reproductive health care.” […]
In the 3rd District, appointed State Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado appeared to lead Chicago teacher Nidia Carranza, according to unofficial returns. Delgado had the support of Mayor Lori Lightfoot, while Carranza had the support of the Chicago Teachers Union.
In the 9th District, State Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, appeared to lead former WGN radio host Patti Vasquez and Chicago Police Officer Joe Duplechin, according to unofficial returns.
In the Illinois Senate, appointed State Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) appeared to lead immigration attorney Ken Thomas, according to early returns.
Illinois state Sen. Iris Martinez has a big lead in the Democratic primary for clerk of the Cook County Circuit Court. With 3,579 out of 3,668 precincts reporting, Illinois state Sen. Iris Martinez is heading up the four-way race, with 34% of the vote.
Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Michael Cabonargi follows in second place (27%), trailed by former Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin (25.3%) and civil rights attorney Jacob Meister (13.7%).
That’s gonna mean another legislative appointment.
…Adding… Cabonargi has conceded.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Kinda…
Congressman Lipinski concedes*.
“If the current numbers do hold, I want to congratulate Ms. Newman on her victory.”
“Earlier today, I spoke with Congressman Lipinski, who ran a tough race. I want to thank him for reaching out, and I’m hopeful we can work together in the coming months to fight for our community and to get things done for the Third Congressional District. I am so proud of the coalition we built in this campaign and I am looking forward to continuing to meet with people and hearing their concerns on the campaign trail over the next few months. Now, more than ever, we need to be unified and not divided. Let’s all stand together in this fight for better healthcare, a more equitable economy and solutions that improve everybody’s everyday.”
* Someone asked me last night how many COVID-19 tests the state is doing every day and how many the state believes it needs to do. As you know, there’s a horrible national shortage of tests right now, although the situation has improved this week. I reached out to the administration yesterday and here’s the response…
Right now, state labs are processing around 300 specimens a day following the more stringent CDC guidelines around who qualifies for a test. Ideally, with private labs and additional testing materials for state labs, thousands of tests could be conducted per day statewide that would give us the data to closely monitor and track community spread. Sentinel surveillance could be expanded so experts could study that data.
* Meanwhile…
Gov. JB Pritzker has signed an emergency declaration, effective through April 12, enabling haulers to get free Illinois Department of Transportation overweight trucking permits for the movement of emergency relief supplies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s always important for haulers to be able to move supplies in a timely and safe manner, but it’s never been more important than right now,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “We want to assure everyone that we are doing everything we can to assist during this unprecedented time and ensure that the supply chain remains strong.”
Operators are required to carry a copy of the order and waiver, which can be found at webapps.dot.illinois.gov/ITAP.
The order does not apply to posted bridges and local highways with special and seasonal weight restrictions. Haulers can use www.GettingAroundIllinois.com to determine if their routes are free of size and weight restrictions.
“Many truck operators are facing enormous pressure to keep supply lines open in light of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Don Schaefer, executive vice president of the Mid-West Truckers Association. “This action will keep trucks moving on a timely basis to meet the needs of a concerned public.”
* And…
Daily Public Schedule: Wednesday, Mar. 18, 2020
What: Gov. Pritzker to join Metro East officials to discuss the statewide response to COVID-19.
Where: St. Clair County Health Department, Annex Conference Center Meeting Room, 19 Public Square, Belleville
When: 10:30 a.m.
What: The Pritzker administration to hold a daily press briefing on COVID-19.
Where: Jackson County Courthouse, Courtroom 3, 1001 Walnut Street, Murphysboro
When: 2:30 p.m.
With Illinois on Tuesday reporting 160 coronavirus cases and one death, Gov. J.B. Pritzker has assigned duties to about 60 Illinois National Guard service members to assist the state with its COVID-19 response.
Pritzker joins several other governors who have called on the National Guard for help. The service members were assigned duties Monday, the governor’s office said. […]
On Tuesday, the governor’s office said Pritzker a day prior had activated about 60 Illinois National Guard service members — that includes 43 airmen from the Peoria-based 182nd Airlift Wing’s Medical Group and 17 planners and liaison officers from both Army National Guard and Air National Guard units from across the state, including medical planners.
“The activation is to assist with anticipated need for logistic support and medical staffing,” Pritzker spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh said.
* Man, what a morning. Up really late, overslept a bit, lost my Internet connection, browser problems. You name it, I got it. Great timing, too. Be nice to each other. I’ll have another post up soonish. I need another cup of coffee first, though.
