The Illinois total of COVID-19 cases has grown by 673 to a total of 2,538 according to state health director Dr. Ngozi Ezike during Thursday’s daily briefing. Ezike reported seven additional deaths to increase that total to 26. The Illinois Department of Public Health reports about 87 percent of the fatalities are at least 60 years old. Franklin and Tazewell counties reported their first COVID-19 cases, while Christian County reported its second case.
Ezike and Governor JB Pritzker both urged residents to keep social distancing and refrain from congregating. Pritzker said failing to follow the current stay-at-home and social distancing guidelines is “spitting in the face” of medical workers and those with the virus, and that lives depend upon compliance.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has announced that President Trump has approved a major disaster declaration for Illinois, which will provide federal emergency aid related to COVID-19 efforts. No specific amount was listed.
Governor Pritzker introduced a new initiative to help non-profit groups providing relief during the coronavirus pandemic. The Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund, or ICRF, is spearheaded by the United Way of Illinois and the Alliance of Illinois Community Foundations and is independent from the state. The ICRF will focus on emergency food, housing, health care, utility and financial assistance and more. The fund begins with nearly $23 million in initial donations. Pritzker said he and his wife contributed $2 million and his foundation contributed an additional $2 million. Community Foundation of the Land of Lincoln CEO John Stremsterfer has been named to the fund’s steering committee.
State unemployment in February fell to a record low 3.4 percent, but the Illinois Department of Employment Security also reports that March jobless claims have totaled nearly 134,000 compared to more than 27,000 in March 2019, an increase of more than 106,000 from one year ago. IDES reports it is increasing its ability to handle the unprecedented amount of unemployment claims with new infrastructure and increased staffing. The agency has begun a staggered claim filing schedule by first letter of last name. For online claims, A-M should file Sundays, Tuesdays or Thursdays with N-Z filing Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. For calls, A-M should call Tuesdays and Thursday, N-Z Mondays and Wednesdays and anyone Fridays. Calls are taken between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Secretary of State Jesse White reported the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the REAL ID deadline for Illinois one year to Oct. 1, 2021. Illinois driver’s licenses and IDs can be used at airports, military bases and secure federal facilities until then.
