novel coronavirus

Blood Donations Needed in the Tri States

By Rich Egger • 26 minutes ago

Blood collection agencies said donors are urgently needed because thousands of blood drives have been canceled nationwide due to concerns about the novel coronavirus. And the agencies said the need for blood and blood products never ends.

"We Have To Be Ready At Any Time" - Illinois ER Doctors Brace For Onslaught Of COVID-19

By Christine Herman • Mar 26, 2020

Emergency physicians across Illinois are bracing for an onslaught of patients sick with the coronavirus disease COVID-19.

Pritzker Announces $90 Million in COVID-19 Relief For Small Businesses

By Mike Smith • Mar 26, 2020

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker announced new measures to help businesses stay afloat during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

First Case of COVID-19 in Des Moines County

By Rich Egger • Mar 25, 2020

The Des Moines County Public Health Department said the Iowa Department of Public Health has confirmed a case of novel coronavirus in Des Moines County. The person is self-isolating at home.

Gov. Pritzker Acknowledges Budget Turmoil Due To Coronavirus

By Sean Crawford • Mar 25, 2020

ILLINOIS OFFICE OF COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION

Just a few weeks ago, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker offered up a spending blueprint for Illinois. But that was before the COVID-19 pandemic was on the radar.

Illinois Passes 1,000 Confirmed COVID-19 Cases, Including Infant, But Number Understates Spread

By Brian Mackey • Mar 23, 2020

For the first time, an infant was among the newly discovered cases of COVID-19 announced daily by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Officials on Sunday said they’d confirmed 296 new cases of coronavirus disease, though official tallies are thought to significantly understate the actual number of infections.

MDH Expert: Coronavirus Concerns are Not Overblown

By Rich Egger • Mar 22, 2020

So far, much of western Illinois has managed to steer clear of the novel coronavirus. But Dr. Ed Card, Chief Medical Officer at McDonough District Hospital, said residents must remain vigilant to prevent the spread of the disease.

Help Needed Now: Grocery Stores on Hiring Spree Amid COVID-19

By Eric Stock • Mar 22, 2020

Service industry employees who have lost work due to the COVID-19 response could possibly find employment in one job sector that is rapidly hiring to meet demand: grocery stores.

Gov. Pritzker Issues ‘Stay-At-Home’ Order

By Mike Smith • Mar 21, 2020

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued a statewide stay-at-home order starting Saturday at 5 p.m. through April 7 to slow the spread of COVID-19. State public health officials reported Illinois’ fifth death from the virus Friday.

Business and Health Resources Regarding Coronavirus

By TSPR Staff • Mar 20, 2020

Local, state, and federal government agencies are working to help individuals and businesses get through the coronavirus pandemic. TSPR has accumulated a list of links you might find helpful and informative.

Illinois Sees Surge of Confirmed COVID-19 Cases

By Sam Dunklau • Mar 19, 2020

Illinois health officials announced a surge of new COVID-19 cases Wednesday. The state’s Department of Public Health has confirmed 128 new cases across 17 counties, bringing the total to 288.

Local Announcements/Coronavirus Pandemic

By TSPR Staff • Mar 17, 2020

Many events and activities have been postponed or canceled in the tri states as the region tries to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Some organizations/agencies have made adjustments to their operations continue to serve the public. Here is our latest information.

A Look into the Decision to Cancel Classes

By Rich Egger • Mar 17, 2020

The ball was in Dr. Martin Abraham’s court last week. It was up to Western Illinois University’s interim president to decide what course of action to follow as concerns about the spread of the coronavirus increased rapidly.

Update on Closings and other Announcements – March 16, 2020

By Rich Egger • Mar 16, 2020

The Illinois primary will still be held on Tuesday, March 17. But many other events and activities have been postponed or canceled in the tri states as the region tries to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Crowd Bans Push Worship Online In Bloomington-Normal

By Charlie Schlenker • Mar 16, 2020

As the coronavirus pandemic forces the nation to disconnect from usual routines, communities of faith tried all the harder to hold on to each other and offer solace. Many turned to worship online, some as a regular part of the program, others for the first time, using meeting programs such as Zoom.

Closings and Cancellations – Updated March 15, 2020

By Rich Egger • Mar 15, 2020

Schools, arts centers, and other places are closing their doors in an effort to help prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. Here is our latest list of cancellations and other announcements, updated Sunday afternoon, March 15:

UPDATE: All Illinois Schools Closed; Other Cancellations and Announcements Related to Coronavirus

By Rich Egger • Mar 13, 2020

Illinois is taking the precautionary measure of closing all of its schools March 17-30. The state said day care centers will remain open and will follow strict health and safety guidance.

Senior Centers Closed To Stem Coronavirus

By Brian Mackey • Mar 13, 2020

Citing the risk from coronavirus disease, the Illinois Department on Aging is ordering senior centers to close.

UPDATED: Cancellations & Other Announcements Related to Coronavirus

By Rich Egger • Mar 12, 2020

Western Illinois University, Monmouth College, and other institutions are rearranging plans for the remainder of the Spring semester. The changes are in response to the coronavirus crisis, which the World Health Organization is now calling a pandemic.