Illinois reports 715 new cases of COVID-19 with 16 additional deaths. The state total is 7,695 cases including 157 deaths. Cases have been reported in 61 counties with the addition of the first cases in Logan, Macoupin, Mercer, Moultrie and Piatt counties.
Illinois Director of Public Health Dr. Ngozi Ezike said churches must follow the same rules as schools and many businesses in slowing the spread of the coronavirus and not hold in-person services. Ezike said some churches in the state are not following the ban on gatherings of more than 10 persons.
Governor JB Pritzker introduced a campaign called “All in Illinois” to underscore the state’s message to stay at home and stay safe to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. A series of “All in Illinois” public service announcements features famous Illinois natives including Jane Lynch, Deon Cole, Jason Beghe, Jackie Joyner Kersee and Matt Walsh emphasizing the importance of staying home and practicing social distancing. Pritzker also encouraged the use of the hashtag #AllinIllinois. More is online at Allin.Illinois.gov.
The surge continues in jobless claims statewide. More than 178,000 filed unemployment claims in the state last week, up about 50 percent from the 114,000 reported in the previous week.
