- Editor’s Note: This article will be updated daily with information regarding the coronavirus in the U.S. and world. Please consider bookmarking this page and returning to it daily. Scroll down for links to official sources, and visit the Kane County Health Department website for additional information.
Kane County Connects Daily Updates
- COVID-19 OVERVIEW — A roundup of national and international updates.
- COVID-19 STATE — State of Illinois and Illinois Department of Public Health updates (Includes daily updates from Gov. JB Pritzker’s news conferences and Kane County COVID-19 alerts from the IDPH.)
- COVID-19 KANE COUNTY — Kane County updates, including information from the Kane County Health Department, courts, Sheriff’s Office, and all units of county government. (Note: IDPH provides breaking information on the numbers of cases or deaths in Kane County.)
- COVID-19 COMMUNITIES — A roundup of information from municipalities, park districts, libraries, as well as local human interest stories.
- COVID-19 SCHOOLS — Updates on school closings or openings, meals and online learning.
- COVID-19 HOSPITALS — Vital links to local hospital websites and additional trusted information on COVID-19.
- COVID-19 BUSINESS/CONSUMERS —Business news, what’s open and closed, where to find stuff you need, and updates from local chambers of commerce.
- COVID-19 CONNECTIONS — Personal observations, photos, miscellaneous news, quirky and fun stuff related to the days of COVID in Kane.
- COVID-19 HOW TO HELP — Volunteer opportunities, donation sites and other local efforts to help people during the COVID-19 emergency.
5PM FRIDAY, APRIL 3
CDC Recommends Public Wear Masks
The CDC on Friday recommened wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.
It is critical to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social distancing remains important to slowing the spread of the virus. CDC is additionally advising the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.
Headlines
Good News Of The Day
5PM THURSDAY, APRIL 2
10 Million Americans Have Now Filed For Unemployment
A record 6.65 million Americans filed first-time jobless claims last week, the Labor Department said today. A stunning 10 million workers now have sought unemployment benefits in just two weeks.
9AM THURSDAY, APRIL 2
Here are some other national/world headlines as we begin the day:
Today’s Happy Read
J.K. Rowling is adding a bit of magic to people’s time in quarantine due to coronavirus. The “Harry Potter” author announced Wednesday that she launched “Harry Potter At Home,” an online hub where people can find Harry Potter-themed entertainment.
6:20PM WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1
- New York cases continue to grow.
- Unemployment percentage could top Great Depression — temporarily
- 10 pieces of COVID-19 good news, fact checked by Poynter Institute
- Vice president says U.S. model is most like Italy’s, predicts country could see 100,000 to 240,000 deaths.
- Florida’s governor finally issues stay-at-home order.
- U.S. cases top 200,000.
- Menaced by the economic downturn, the federal government weighs an infrastructure push to create jobs.
- CDC to review whether more people should wear face masks
- Worldometer reports 933.578 cases, 46,854 deaths and 193,891 recoveries worldwide as of 6:11 p.m. Wednesday, April 1.
More Than a Third of Americans Are ‘At Risk’
More than a third of American adults — or 105 million people — are at higher risk of serious illness if they get infected with the coronavirus, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation analysis of CDC data. For most of them, their age puts them in danger: More than 76 million Americans are 60 or older. The remaining 29 million people are younger but have underlying health issues.
Today’s Read
5PM TUESDAY, MARCH 31
Here’s a quick look at what’s happening on a national and international level as of 3 p.m. Tuesday.
5PM MONDAY, MARCH 30
Abbott Labs Test Kits Called ‘Game Changer’
Here are some afternoon headlines from the national and world stage:
- The Food and Drug Administration issued a limited, emergency-use authorization for two antimalarial drugs, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, to be used on patients.
- “A game changer”: FDA authorizes Abbott Labs’ portable, 5-minute coronavirus test the size of a toaster
- New York deaths now top 1,200
- Dow Jones Rallies 600 Points As Coronavirus Drug Hopes Boost Stock Market
- Worldometer reports 780,596 cases, 37,552 deaths and 164,658 recoveries worldwide as of 4:55 p.m. Monday, March 30.
9:42AM MONDAY, MARCH 30
Here’s the morning update as of 9:40 a.m. Monday, March 30.
Today’s Read
Check out The Math Behind Social Distancing.
8:30PM SUNDAY, MARCH 29
The U.S. will extend its “15 Days To Slow The Spread” to April 30, federal officials said Sunday.
President Donald Trump made the announcement at around 5 p.m. Sunday, March 29.
Click this link to read the Coronavirus Guidelines For America.
The best news from the national and worldwide statistics on the COVID-19 pandemic is that deaths in Italy are continuing to decrease and that the number of recoveries worldwide are more than 150,000. The numbers of confirmed cases are still under 500 for many states, as you can see by the CDC’s map above.
That said, the statistics also underline the importance of staying at home, following the CDC guidelines — washing your hands and maintaining physical distance — because we are on the steeply-rising arch of the bell curve here in the U.S.
- Worldometer reports 721,412 cases, 33,956 deaths and 151,004 recoveries worldwide as of 8:25 p.m. Sunday, March 29.
- As of today (Sunday), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website shows 122,653 confirmed cases and 2,112 nationwide.
- Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said Sunday between 100,000 and 200,000 could die from coronavirus before the crisis is done.
- Mayor Bill de Blasio, and many other elected leaders, stress their urgent needs for medical supplies.
- Cuomo Extends PAUSE Order Through April 15th As NY Nears 1,000 Deaths
- The CDC issued a request Saturday asking residents of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to avoid non-essential travel for 14 days.
- Coronavirus deaths fall again in Italy but lockdown extension looms
4:30PM FRIDAY, MARCH 27
Congress Passes $2.2 Trillion Stimulus
Here are some headlines as of 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 27:
7:40AM FRIDAY, MARCH 27
Here are some morning headlines:
Other Interesting Stories
What The Stimulus Does
SOURCE: the White House news release
The CARES Act, as it’s called, will provide:
- $1,200 direct payments to middle-class Americans, plus $500 for each child—a total of $3,400 for a family of four
- $100 billion in direct support to our hospital systems, first responders, and health care workers
- $370+ billion to small business owners to keep employees on the payroll
- Delays federal student loan payments for the next 6 months
4PM THURSDAY, MARCH 26
Today’s national economic headlines are classic and startling good-news-bad-news stories.
As Congress is poised to pass an unprecedented $2.2 trillion stimulus package that earned unanimous approval in the Senate, stock markets had their best day ever.
On the flip side of that good news come reports from Illinois and the federal government of the massive numbers of workers who have applied for unemployment in recent days. Nationally, the number of unemployment filings were 3.2 million, according to numerous sources.
Other headlines this afternoon include:
9AM THURSDAY, MARCH 26
Here’s an update on some of the headlines this morning:
- Worldometer shows 490,271 cases, 22,156 deaths and 118,060 recoveries as of 8:40 a.m. Thursday.
- The Dow is up 500 points in early trading this morning, after the Senate passed a $2 trillion stimulus package and the House is expected to vote today.
- More than 3 million people have filed for unemployment in the U.S. due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today From The World Health Organization
As of today, the U.S. has recorded the third-highest number of cases worldwide, behind China and Italy. Here’s a look at what WHO is reporting as of 9 a.m. Thursday.
5PM WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25
Afternoon headlines:
10:40AM WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25
Early headlines:
Today From Worldometers
SOURCE: https://www.worldometers.info/
Quick facts:
- Every year an estimated 290,000 to 650,000 people die in the world due to complications from seasonal influenza (flu) viruses.
- This figure corresponds to 795 to 1,781 deaths per day due to the seasonal flu.
Sources and info:
7PM TUESDAY, MARCH 24
President Donald Trump says he wants “the country opened” by Easter, according to the National Review and other sources.
Worldometer has the totals at 421,413 cases, 18,810 deaths and 107,388 recoveries worldwide as of 7:32 p.m. Tuesday.
The CDC shows 44,183 cases and 544 deaths as of 1:47 p.m.
Other interesting national and world updates:
PREVIOUS POSTS / LINKS / CDC & IDPH CASE TOTALS
7PM MONDAY, MARCH 23
8PM SUNDAY, MARCH 22
Worldometer has the totals at 336,075 cases, 14,613 deaths and 97,636 recoveries worldwide as of 7:45 p.m.
A $2 trillion rescue package has stalled in Congress, according to the Chicago Tribune.
New York State now has roughly 5 percent of the world’s cases. according to the New York Times and other sources.
Sen. Rand Paul has tested positive for CODId-19, according to the Associated Press and many other sources.
The death toll from the coronavirus pandemic continued its relentless rise in Europe on Sunday with Italy announcing 651 dead in one day, bringing its total to 5,476, according to CNBC and other sources
1:43PM UPDATE FRIDAY, MARCH 20
Here’s the latest:
- The COVID-19 death toll in the U.S. is up to 201, with the total number of cases up to 15,219 — a 50% increase since this morning’s CDC report.
- Worldwide, the death toll has topped 11,100, as Italy saw its biggest one-day increase on Friday.
- The Tribune is reporting that Gov. JB Pritzker will order a “shelter in place” that will start today. The state’s daily press conference generally starts after 2:30 p.m. so check the COVID-19 STATE landing page for updates.
- Meanwhile, Tax Day has been moved back to July.
- The U.S. closed the border to and from Mexico for non-essential traffic.
10:50AM UPDATE
White House news conference going on now. Click here to watch.
UPDATED 8:30AM FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2020
Here’s a quick morning update from the national and international news side:
- The CDC reports 10,442 confirmed cases and 150 deaths nationwide as we start the day.
- As we heard last night, California’s governor has ordered residents to stay home.
- And the stock market is rising as the day begins.
Tune in later today for additional updates.
UPDATED 5 PM THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020
Government and health officials say the next few days are likely to be very important in determining where we are on the COVID-19 bell curve, according to USA Today and other sources.
Soon, the United States will find out whether it’s likely to be the next South Korea or Italy or even China when it comes to the acceleration of coronavirus cases and deaths.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a “stay at home” order for the entire state, according to USA Today and other sources.
Congress today is weighing a $1 trillion relief plan, according to the New York Times and many other sources.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell proposed direct payments of $1,200 per person and $2,400 for couples as part of a sweeping Republican response to the coronavirus outbreak, according to the Associated Press and other sources.
Stocks ended slightly higher, according to MarketWatch and other sources.
Italy’s death toll soars, the New York Times and other sources report.
Two additional members of the U.S. House of Representative have tested positive, according to NBC News and other sources.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced she will keep Chicago Public Schools closed until April 20 and has created a $100 million fund to provide low-interest loans to small businesses, the Tribune reports.
Regionally, Metra’s regular schedule remains in place through Friday, but the train service is consider options for an alternative schedule.
Locally and statewide, Kane County reports its sixth COVID-19 case while the state of Illinois reports 522 total cases and four deaths — including three new deaths reported today (Thursday).
KCC Adds Local COVID-19 Business/Consumers Landing Page
Kane County Connects will share information from local chambers of commerce regarding business services and other important information. Kane County chambers are encouraged to email links, images and news releases to kanecountyconnects@gmail.com.
Other Interesting Posts
Editor’s Note: These are articles I found interesting or insightful — and only that. As with all posts, Kane County Connects suggests readers seek additional information from reliable sources.
UPDATED 8PM WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2020
You could soon be getting a check from the federal government.
The Chicago Tribune reports that the Treasury Department wants to dedicate $500 billion to start issuing direct payments to Americans by early next month. The treasury proposed two $250 billion cash infusions to individuals: a first set of checks issued starting April 6, with a second wave in mid-May.
The amounts would depend on income and family size.
That news follows another Dow Jones Industrial Average tumble. The Dow was down by more than 1,300 points or 6.28%, according to ABC News and other sources.
The CDC today reports 7,038 confirmed cases and 97 deaths. All 50 states have now reported cases.
Members of the Kane County Health Committee met today, keeping social distancing as they grappled with methods of coping with the coronavirus pandemic locally.
Bullet points from the federal government:
- The Defense Department will massively expand medical resources, making 5 million respirator masks and 2,000 ventilators available for use.
- FEMA is now activated in every region of the country and at the highest level .
- The Department of Housing & Urban Development will be suspending foreclosures and evictions until the end of April.
- Health & Human Services will also suspend foreclosures and evictions.
- Navy hospital ships are being deployed to impacted areas.
- America and Canada will halt all non-essential travel across their border.
As Kane County and state of Illinois voters head to the polls today (Tuesday, March 17, 2020), there are reasons for concern and optimism.
People appear to be taking serious the advice of Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Anthony Fauci, who asked U.S. citizens to limit social gatherings of more than 10 people during the coronavirus pandemic.
Fauci said Monday that people should expect a dramatic rise in the number of cases and deaths in the U.S. this week, as the bell curve begins its ascent.
President Donald Trump said in a news conference Monday that the virus might take until July or August to play out.
The CDC’s new guidelines include a “15 Days to Slow The Spread” campaign.
There are more warnings today about disinformation during the pandemic. One of the most pervasive on social media is the “Stanford Hospital Board Internal Message” that mixes a few facts with several outright falsehoods — including the advice that you can test yourself for the virus my holding your breath for 10 seconds.
Stock markets are strong as of midday Tuesday, offering some respite from selling after Monday’s declines sent the Dow off by its largest percentage drop since Black Monday of 1987.
Nationally, there are 4,226 confirmed cases and 75 deaths as of Tuesday, March 17, according to the CDC.
Here in Illinois, the number of confirmed cases is more than 100, but there have been no deaths reported.
NBC reports that California officials ordered a complete lockdown of the Bay Area, including San Francisco. People will be required to stay home except for essential needs.
There was a “run on the bank” that emptied local grocery and retail stores this weekend, as Kane County residents stocked up for the two to eight weeks officials say will be need for social distancing aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus.
The Chicago Tribune reports that Jewel-Osco, Walmart and Trader Joe’s are among the chains that are shortening their hours so they can clean and restock as shoppers flock to stores amid coronavirus concerns.
On Friday, Gov. JB Pritzker ordered the closing of all public and private schools. Many Kane County School Districts closed Monday but are still offering school lunches.
International Numbers
Check Worldometers to see the most recent numbers of cases, deaths and recoveries worldwide.
Global case numbers are reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) in their coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation reportexternal icon. For U.S. information, visit CDC’s COVID-19 in the U.S.
CDC: COVID-19 U.S. at a Glance
Updated March 24, 2020
Kane County Schools
State: 46 More Cases Friday
Local Government: Courts, Municipalities, Libraries, Park Districts
CDC Sets New Rules
Read More
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