This post is for news on local response to the virus in Springfield and Central Illinois
For last week’s updates, go to this post. You can send tips, questions or announcements to engage@nprillinois.org.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Illinois stands at 31,508 as of Monday, and 1,349 people have died. Ninety-five counties now have at least one confirmed case.
Illinois remains under a stay-at-home order to stem the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no vaccine to prevent the disease. The CDC has tips on how to protect yourself.
April 21, 1:30
New Testing Site In Macoupin County
The Maple Street Clinic in Gillespie is now a State of Illinois designated COVID-19 testing site for residents who are experiencing symptoms in Macoupin County.
Drive-through testing site - at 109 E.Maple Street Gillespie - is open everyday from 11 a.m.to 2:30 p.m. Hours will expand depending on demand.
The health department asks that all visitors call 217-313-5078 to complete screening prior to arrival. This will ensure the safety of visitors and minimize face to face contact with staff.
Ten Covid-19 Related Deaths In Macon County
A tenth person - a woman in her 60s - in Macon County has died from COVID-19, according to county emergency response officials.
The officials did not release a name or say whether the death was related to an outbreak at a senior living center, asking for respect and privacy as they mourn the loss of their loved one.
There have been 46 cases in Macon County, including an outbreak at Fair Havens Senior Living where nine residents have died after contracting COVID-19.
April 20, 6:00 p.m.
Central Illinois Case Update
Public health officials in Macon County reported another person has tested positive for COVID-19, for a total of 56, including nine deaths.
In Christian County, officials reported one new person has tested positive, for a total of 26 confirmed cases including four deaths.
Public health officials in Montgomery County reported no new cases. There are 16 confirmed cases in Montgomery, including one death.
Morgan County and Logan County reported no new cases. Public officials in Logan County said their total number of confirmed cases dropped from five to four due to the person being a temporary resident. Morgan County has a total of 13 confirmed cases, including one death.
April 20, 5:00 p.m.
Sangamon County Case Update
Public health officials reported four more people have tested positive for COVID-19, for a total of 63 confirmed cases, including five deaths.
Memorial Medical Center reported a confirmed case hospitalized with nine inpatients under investigation. HSHS St. John’s Hospital reported six confirmed cases hospitalized with five inpatients under investigation.
April 20, 4:30 p.m.
Litchfield McDonald’s To Reopen
Litchfield McDonald’s reopens today after an employee tested positive for COVID-19 last week.
Over the weekend, the restaurant took precautionary measures to ensure the building is disinfected and sanitized. Officials also brought an industrial hygienist onsite to oversee operations.
Litchfield McDonald’s will reopen for business today, being staffed by employees out of the Springfield, IL area. All current Litchfield staff are being quarantined due to potential exposure. All employees entering the building will follow guidelines put out by the CDC, testing their temperature and answering screening questions before entering the building.
The dining area of the restaurant will remain closed, but the public may use the drive-through for to-go orders. Please be advised that staff will be wearing masks, as a continued precaution.
April 20, 1:00 p.m.
UIS To Host Virtual Exhibition
The University of Illinois at Springfield is hosting a virtual exhibition showcasing senior visual arts majors.
The event will take place online on April 30. A free PDF catalog will be available. The exhibition will be available here once the event launches.
The showcase is called “Hindsight 20/20” and aims to show communication through visual language. The exhibition will feature animation, digital media, painting, screen printing and sculpture.
April 19, 4:50 p.m.
Eighth and Ninth Deaths At Decatur Nursing Home Announced
The Macon County Joint Crisis Communication Team said Sunday an 8th Macon County resident with COVID-19 has passed away. As with the others, this person was a resident at Fair Havens Senior Living long-term care facility and was a woman in her 90’s.
Three hours later, an announcement was made that a female in her 70's, also a resident of Fair Havens, had died.
No new confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported today in Macon County. Since the pandemic began, there have been 54 cases. 37 of those are associated with congregate living facilities, according to public health authorities.
April 19, 4:45p.m
Taylorville Senior Apartment Complex Quarantine To Be Lifted
Today will be the last day of the 14-day quarantine for Park Glen residents. The Christian County Health Department working with the Illinois National Guard Medical Team assessed all residents Sunday for COVID-19 signs and symptoms. Finding none, the Park Glen quarantine will be lifted at 7 p.m. The quarantine was implemented after three positive cases at the facility on April 5.
Overall, Christian County has reported 25 cases of COVID-19 with 4 deaths.
April 19, 4:30 p.m.
Pritzker Responds To Protests, Optimistic About Treatments
As protests over stay-at-home orders have broken out in states across the county, including right here in Illinois, Gov. J.B. Pritzker shied away from outrightly condemning them, while reasserting his administration's position that any change in Illinois' order will be fact-based.
"“I want us to have a good summer," the governor said during a press briefing Sunday. "I'm looking for all the best ways to make that happen, but we’re in the middle of an emergency...and we have got to be very careful as we make decisions about change in the stay at home order to keep people safe.”
Meanwhile, the governor said initial studies about an antiviral drug, along with dozens of others in clinical trials, are promising. Public health experts have said a treatment of some kind would be essential to reopening the state.
"The idea that 70 [COVID-19] treatments are in trials and a few of them look like they might be effective in just a couple of months? That's pretty amazing," Pritzker remarked.
April 19, 4:25 p.m.
Governor Media Briefings Will Limit Reporters In The Room
The Pritzker Adminsitration announced starting Monday only one print pool reporter and one representing broadcast outlets will be allowed in the room for the daily briefings at the Thompson Center in Chicago. A spokesperson said the decision is being made to ensure they are following social distancing guidelines. Questions are also being accepted through an online portal.
April 19, 4:10 p.m.
Updates From Sangamon, Morgan and Logan Counties
One new positive COVID-19 case was reported in Sangamon County Sunday, according to local public health officials. That brings the county's total to 59 since the pandemic began, with five deaths. Eight of the confirmed cases are hospitalized.
Five cases are confirmed in Logan County. One of the patients is from Mason County and is hospitalized at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Lincoln. Another is considered a "temporary resident" currently recovering in isolation at the Logan County Correctional Center. Authorities say that person may be removed from the Logan County tally in the future pending a decision on residency.
There are now 13 confirmed cases in Morgan County after a male in his 20's tested positive. The Morgan County Health Department added that person is a male in his 20's, who is isolated and recovering at home.
April 19, 2:52 p.m.
First Case In Cass County
The Illinois Department of Public Health has confirmed a positive case of COVID-19 in a Cass County resident. This is the first case in a Cass County resident.
The positive individual is recovering at home and communicating with Cass County Health Department for support in remaining isolated and minimizing risk to other community members. Cass County authorities are currently in the process of completing contact investigations to notify close contacts of their need to quarantine and monitor symptoms.
April 18, 6:10 p.m.
Sangamon County Reports Two More Confirmed COVID-19 Cases
Sangamon County has 58 confirmed cases, adding two more Saturday. Seven people are currently hospitalized at Memorial Medical Center and HSHS St. John’s Hospital.
The county has five deaths, including one man in his 70s who died Friday.
Another 14 hospital patients have been tested for COVID-19 and are awaiting results. So far, 1,247 people have been tested in the county, and 29 people have recovered from the disease.
April 18, 3:30 p.m.
Daily IDPH Medical Update
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced 1,585 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 125 additional deaths.
April 18, 3:20 p.m.
Masks or Face Coverings Required on Decatur Buses Beginning Monday
As of Monday, April 20, the City of Decatur is requiring individuals to wear face coverings or masks on public transit. Decatur City Manager Scot Wrighton says wearing masks will protect both transit drivers and the traveling public. Homemade face coverings, homemade masks, paper masks, scarves, etc. can be worn to cover the face. Riders have also been asked to enter the rear doors of the bus as an additional precautionary measure.
Springfield and Sangamon County Mass Transit buses began requiring face masks or coverings on Wednesday, April 15.
April 18, 2:00 p.m.
Re-assessment of Quarantined Park Glen Apartments in Taylorville To Be Made Sunday
The Christian County Health Department, working in conjunction with an Illinois National Guard Medical Team, will be assessing all Park Glen residents on Sunday morning to determine if the quarantine of the facility can be lifted. The apartment complex was placed under quarantine on April 5th after three residents tested positive for COVID-19.
April 18, 1:00 p.m.
COVID-19 Cases in Litchfield at McDonald’s and Litchfield Oncology Institute
On Friday evening, the Montgomery County Health Department stated that it had been notified by the Illinois Department of Public Health of positive COVID-19 cases at the McDonald’s restaurant in Litchfield. The facility owners have voluntarily closed the facility and are cooperating with the Health Department.
Also, as of Thursday, April 16, the privately-owned Litchfield Oncology Institute has been voluntarily quarantined. The facility was placed under quarantine due to an outbreak of COVID-19. The facility has had five staff members and two patients test positive for the virus. The Montgomery County Health Department is working in conjunction with the Macoupin County Public Health Department to coordinate a solution for the patients of the Institute so they may continue treatments.
April 17, 5:00 p.m.
Local Case Roundup: Sangamon Co. Reports New Death, No New Cases In Logan, Cass Reports New Case
A man in his 70s is the latest person to die from COVID-19 in Sangamon County. Public health officials also confirmed three new cases Friday, bringing the grand total so far to 56. Four people have died in all. 27 people have recovered, and the county has so far completed 1193 COVID-19 tests.
Logan County, meanwhile, reported no new cases or deaths Friday. From a statement: "A confirmed positive case from Mason County is still hospitalized at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital. The total number of confirmed cases in Logan County is now 5. The fifth COVID-19 positive was tested in Aurora, Illinois and is considered a “temporary resident” currently recovering in isolation at Logan County Correctional Center." That county has completed 178 COVID-19 tests.
In Cass County, health officials confirmed "a staff member at a major Beardstown employer" tested positive for the disease. The employee is not a Cass County resident and is currently self-isolating.
April 17, 2:45 p.m.
Illinois Schools To Remain Closed For Remainder Of School Year
Gov. J.B. Pritzker confirmed Friday what many had been predicting in recent days: Illinois students, teachers and faculty will continue remote learning for the rest of the school year.
“I’ve said time and time again, our decisions must follow the science and the science says our students can’t go back to their normal routine this school year,” Pritzker explained at a daily press briefing.
Each school district will receive a share of more than $500 million from the federal CARES Act, aimed at responding to the social fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Governor's office, that funding will be proportional to the number of low-income students a district serves.
Separately, Pritzker said he's waived the edTPA and student teacher requirements for educators-in-training that have otherwise completed the licensing process. High school seniors, meanwhile, will be able to graduate without a consumer education course or physical education assessment.
April 17, 1:15 p.m.
Springfield Winter Farmers Market Still On, DSI "Reconfiguring" For Summer Market
Downtown Springfield Inc. provided an update on the status of its anticipated farmers markets Friday, saying they've been deemed essential by the state and will proceed as scheduled, but in a stripped-down format.
The season's final winter market will take place on April 25 from 9 a.m. to noon between 2nd and Washington Streets. Those who attend in-person will have to follow a variety of new rules, put in place to comply with social distancing mandates. Shoppers will also be able to pre-order online and pick up their produce at the curb.
As for the first summer market, scheduled for May 13th, DSI said it's "planning to reconfigure" the Adams Street venue to provide social distancing. More info is expected to come in the first week of May.
Complete info can be found here.
April 17, 12:45 p.m.
U.S. Rep. Davis Announces Emergency Fund For Area Colleges
Congressman Rodney Davis provided a list of Central Illinois colleges and universities that will be getting "direct emergency cash grants [for] college students for education-related expenses lost due to COVID-19."
Illinois will also be getting $108.5 million from the U.S. Department of Education's Governor's Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund to provide "flexible funding to fit the state's specific educational needs."
"As the father of three college students, I know many students and schools have been impacted because of this pandemic," Davis said in a statement. "These grants and the funds provided to the Governor will also begin to help our colleges and K-12 schools handle these unexpected changes."
For a full list of schools and funding, click here.
April 17, 12:30 p.m.
Another Macon County Resident Dies of COVID-19
Macon County crisis management officials said Friday a seventh resident with COVID-19 has died.
From a Facebook statement: "This person was a female in her 80s who was a resident at Fair Havens Senior Living long-term care facility. We would like to express our sincerest condolences to the loved ones of this resident. "
April 16, 5:10 .p.m.
Case Updates From Sangamon, Other Area Counties
Sangamon County public health officials announced four new positive cases as of Thursday and one death. The deceased was a male in his 90’s that tested positive for COVID-19. He was an inpatient at HSHS St. John’s Hospital. That brings the county total to 53 with four deaths since the pandemic began.
Memorial Medical Center is reporting five confirmed positive cases currently hospitalized, including one Sangamon County resident, and 11 inpatients currently under investigation. HSHS St. John’s Hospital is reporting three confirmed positive cases currently hospitalized, none of which are Sangamon County residents, and six inpatients currently under investigation.
The total number of confirmed cases in Logan County is five.
One new positive case was reported Thursday in Morgan County. There have been a total of 12 confirmed cases there with one death.
Christian County had no new cases Thursday. Overall, the county has reported 24 positive cases with four deaths.
There are 17 positive cases in Macoupin County.
Sixth COVID-19 Death At Decatur Nursing Home
Macon County public health officials announced there have now been six coronavirus deaths of residents at the Fair Havens Senior Living complex. The latest victim was a woman in her 90s.
There are 46 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Macon County, 33 associated with Fair Havens. Six more staff were tested this week and the results are pending.
April 16, 3 p.m.
Governors To Cooperate On Reopening The Midwest
Governors J.B .Pritzker, Gretchen Whitmer (Michigan), Mike DeWine (Ohio), Tony Evers (Wisconsin), Tim Walz (Minnesota), Eric Holcomb (Indiana) and Andy Beshear (Kentucky) announced that they will work in close coordination to reopen the economy in the Midwest region.
The governors gave a combined statement in a press release: “We are doing everything we can to protect the people of our states and slow the spread of COVID-19, and we are eager to work together to mitigate the economic crisis this virus has caused in our region. Here in the Midwest, we are bound by our commitment to our people and the community. We recognize that our economies are all reliant on each other, and we must work together to safely reopen them so hardworking people can get back to work and businesses can get back on their feet.
“Today, we are announcing that Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana, and Kentucky will work in close coordination to reopen our economies in a way that prioritizes our workers’ health. We look forward to working with experts and taking a fact-based, data-driven approach to reopening our economy in a way that protect families from the spread of COVID-19.
“Our number one priority when analyzing when best to reopen our economy is the health and safety of our citizens. We will make decisions based on facts, science, and recommendations from experts in health care, business, labor, and education.
“We will closely examine at least these four factors when determining when best to reopen our economy:
- Sustained control of the rate of new infections and hospitalizations.
- Enhanced ability to test and trace.
- Sufficient health care capacity to handle resurgence.
- And best practices for social distancing in the workplace.
April 16, 1:00 p.m.
Walgreens To Open Springfield COVID-19 Testing Site
On Friday, April 17, Walgreens will begin operating a driveup COVID-19 testing facility in Springfield. The facility will be located at a former Walgreens location, 1155 N. 9th Street. Testing will be provided through a self-administered nasal swab, at no-cost to the patient.
The test results will be communicated to the patient within 1-2 days, on average. Walgreens will also send test results to HHS and to the Illinois Department of Public Health to be reported and tracked. Individuals that are interested in getting tested should go online to www.walgreens.com/coronavirus www.walgreens.com/findcare.
Once there, they will take an online assessment and if qualified will be able to select an appointment time. An individual cannot and should not show up at the testing location prior to taking the online assessment or without an appointment.
Testing is being prioritized for individuals that have symptoms and are/have:
· Healthcare worker with symptoms
· First responder with symptoms
· 65 or older with symptoms
· Those with pre-existing health conditions with symptoms
April 16, 12:45 p.m.
IDES Announces Record-Breaking Claims
The Illinois Department of Employment Security released new statewide data that shows over 141,000 new initial unemployment claims were made for the week ending April 11.
As of March 1, the department has processed more than 650,000 initial unemployment claims — 12 times more than the number of claims the same period last year. The number is is also five times greater than claims processed during the first six weeks of the Great Recession.
Statewide unemployment claims data, which reflects activity for the week prior, will be available on the IDES website every Thursday afternoon.
April 16, 12:30 p.m.
DCEO Refreshes Nonessential Businesses On Rules
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is reminding nonessential businesses that they cannot offer curbside pickup or delivery but can send items by mail. Business operators with questions can contact Val Yazell at the city of Springfield with questions. A list of nonessential businesses can be found here.
April 15, 5:10 p.m.
Coronavirus Deals A Blow To The State Budget
Gov. J.B. Pritzker, during his daily briefing, announced projections for a nearly $3 billion revenue decline in the current fiscal year, which runs through June. Among the actions he's planning is short term borrowing, sweeping moeny for various state funds and spending cuts. The governor also said the budget he proposed for the next fiscal year could be off as much as $7 billion.
April 15, 4:50 p.m.
Case Updates From Sangamon, Other Area Counties
Sangamon County public health officials announced 4 new postiive cases as of Wednesday. That brings the county total to 52, with three deaths since the pandemic began. Memorial Medical Center is reporting four confirmed positive cases currently hospitalized, including one Sangamon County resident, and eight inpatients currently under investigation. HSHS St. John’s Hospital is reporting two confirmed positive cases currently hospitalized, none of which are Sangamon County residents, and sixteen inpatients currently under investigation.
A confirmed positive case from Mason County is still hospitalized at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Lincoln. The total number of confirmed cases in Logan County remains at four. There are two Logan County residents have been reported as recovered from COVID-19.
No additional positive cases reported Wednesday in Morgan County. There have been a total of 11 confirmed cases there with one death.
Christian County had no new cases Wednesday. Overall, the county has reported 24 positive cases with four deaths.
April 15, 3:00 p.m.
Two More COVID-19 Deaths At Decatur Nursing Home
Macon County public health officials announced there have now been five coronavirus deaths of residents at the Fair Havens Senior Living complex. The latest victims were both women in their 80's.
There are 43 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Macon County, 32 associated with Fair Havens. Six more staff were tested this week and the results are pending.
April 15, 2:45 p.m.
Horace Mann Provides Auto Insurance Break
Springfield-based Horace Mann Educators Corporation has joined many other insurers in giving a discount on premiums for auto insurance. The company announced it will credit customers with 15% of two months of auto premiums, subject to regulatory approval.
The move is being made because driving has declined as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company has already announced other relief to policy holders during the pandemic.
April 15, 2:35 p.m.
State of the City Luncheon Postponed
The luncheon was scheduled for May 13 at the President Abraham Lincoln hotel. The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce said the plan is to hold the luncheon once it is safe to do so. A new date has not been announced.
April 14, 5:45 p.m.
Three COVID-19 Related Deaths in Macon County
There are 43 confirmed cases, and three COVID-19 related deaths in Macon County, according to county health and emergency officials.
Out of the confirmed cases, 32 are associated with Fair Havens Senior Living, a long-term care facility in Decatur. All contacts have been notified by the Macon County Health Department.
April 14, 4:30 p.m.
Four New COVID-19 Cases in Sangamon County
There are four newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Sangamon County, bringing its total to 48, including three deaths.
Memorial Medical Center is reporting five people with the disease currently hospitalized. One is a Sangamon County Resident, and ten inpatients are currently under investigation. HSHS St. John’s Hospital is reporting two people currently hospitalized. None are Sangamon County residents, and nine inpatients are under investigation
April 14, 3:25 p.m.
COVID-19 Illinois Death Total At 868
Gov. Pritzker said the rate of cases and deaths has slowed. "We are, in fact, bending the curve."
As of today 1,222 new people were diagnosed with COVID-19, and there were 74 additional deaths. That brings Illinois’ total to 23,247 infections, and 868 lives lost.
Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Illinois Public Health Director, said people are recovering from the disease, but residents must stay home to flatten the curve.
April 14, 3:00 p.m.
Update: Taylorville Park Glen Complex
A senior housing complex in Taylorville - Park Glen Complex - remains under quarantine through April 19 after 3 people tested positive for COVID-19, according to Christian-Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency. The Christian County health department will make the final decision on when the quarantine will be lifted. Residents’ essential needs are being met, including doctors’ visits, the agency confirmed.
No visitors are allowed to enter the building.
Residents at Glen Park recently received a breakfast and lunch delivery of 1,750 meals that should last them until the quarantine is lifted. The Christian-Montgomery EMA was assisted by Mike Crews of Hanover Park Township, Tony Falconio of Madison County EMA.
In Christian County, 24 people have tested positive, and four have died. In Montgomery County, there are nine reported cases, including one death.
April 14, 1:45 p.m.
Mobile Hotspots For District 186 Students
The city of Springfield will provide up to 1,000 Verizon Jetpacks - mobile hotspots - to Springfield public school students who need internet access at home.
Each JetPack can provide wireless connections for up to 15 devices in a home.
The money for the purchase came from Community Development Block Grant funds the city received from the federal government due to the COVID-19 outbreak. District 186 will pay the city for devices that go to students who attend school in District 186, but don’t live in Springfield.
April 14, 12:50 p.m.
Sangamon County Property Tax Payments Extended Until September
County board members approved the extension of property tax payments from June 12 to September 11.
Payments are exempt from any interest penalty if they are paid on time.
April 14, 11:30 p.m.
Sangamon County Liquor/Food Service Licenses
Liquor licensees can now pay half of their fees by June 30, and the other half will be due on December 31.
Licenses of existing food services establishment licensees will not expire, regardless of the date on the license.
April 13, 4:40 p.m.
Macon County COVID-19 Case Count Climbs to 42
Seven more people now have the new coronavirus disease in Macon County as of Monday. 31 of those cases have stemmed from contact with those living or working at the Fair Havens Senior Living long-term care facility in Decatur.
One person has died in that county so far.
April 13, 4:25 p.m.
Sangamon, Logan Counties Provide COVID-19 Updates
Sangamon County public health experts said three more people definitively have COVID-19, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 44. Three people have died, while 16 have made a full recovery. The county has tested 858 people so far for the new coronavirus disease.
From a statement: "Memorial Medical Center is reporting five confirmed positive cases currently hospitalized, none of which are Sangamon County residents, and seven inpatients currently under investigation."
"HSHS St. John’s Hospital is reporting three confirmed positive cases currently hospitalized, none of which are Sangamon County residents, and thirteen inpatients currently under investigation."
Logan County, meanwhile, has reported one additional case. Four people in all have COVID-19 in that county, while no one there has died yet. Public health workers have tested 149 people there in all.
April 13, 4:00 p.m.
Illinois Retail Merchants Deploy PSA on Grocery Buying
The Illinois Retail Merchants Association said Monday it has bought radio airtime for a Public Service Announcement "aimed at educating consumers about the safeguards they should adopt when visiting a grocery, pharmacy or retail store."
The group said the 30 second ad will air "2,100 times over the next 10 days in every media market throughout the state. The buy includes airtime on African American radio stations as well as a version of the ad to be broadcast on Spanish language stations."
April 13, 3:45 p.m.
Pritzker, House GOP, Spar On Unemployment During COVID-19
Illinois House Republicans, led by Minority Leader Jim Durkin, held a press conference via Zoom Monday, saying Gov. J.B. Pritzker has been "inadequate" in responding to more than 500,000 unemployment claims that have inundated the state's Department of Employment Security.
Durkin said GOP-held district offices have been flooded with calls from angry constituents, many of whom said they have been frustrated in some way when trying to file an unemployment claim.
"I believe the state of Illinois has failed those Illinoisans who have been left out, that were cut out as nonessential, but have not been able to survive," the Western Springs Republican said.
Pritzker fired back during his own daily press conference, claiming IDES has implemented a number of fixes in claims processing. The governor thanked department employees who he said have worked hundreds of extra hours in addressing claims.
"I draw a distinction between those who stand up in this moment and try to help, and those who hold press conferences to complain," Pritzker said.
April 13, 1:30 p.m.
Montgomery County Reports New Case, Christian County Offers Update
As of Sunday, Montgomery County reported one additional person has been confirmed to have COVID-19, bringing that county's total to 9 positive tests. 1 person has died. 139 people have tested negative for the disease there.
Christian County's case count remains at 24. 3 people have died and 141 people have tested negative for COVID-19 in that county.
The residents at Rolling Meadows in Taylorville were officially released from quarantine on Saturday, while the Park Glen complex remains under quarantine until April 19. County emergency officials said Pastor Jeremy Rhodes and a worship leader offered a special Easter Service for residents of the latter. Those wishing to participate were able to view the service from their windows.
April 12, 3:40 p.m.
Central Illinois Case Update
Public health officials in Macon County reported 10 more people have tested positive for COVID-19, for a total of 35, including one death. Fifteeen of the cases were tied to Fair Havens Senior Living facility.
No new cases were reported in Logan County.
April 12, 3 p.m.
Pritzker Says Peak May Be In Sight
The number of new deaths reported as of Sunday was 43, the lowest increase over the last six days, the governor reported. Of new COVID-19 deaths, all but one were in the Chicago area. That was in St. Clair County.
