Illinois health officials report 1,344 new COVID-19 cases in the past day with 66 additional deaths. State totals are now 16,422 cases including 528 deaths. Downstate deaths include two in Rock Island County and one each in Effingham, Kankakee and St. Clair counties. The first cases in Hancock, Pulaski and Schuyler counties raise the total number of Illinois counties to 81 with confirmed cases.
Governor JB Pritzker said he believes organizers of summer festivals and gatherings should consider cancelling because COVID-19 can only be contained through greatly-increased testing and development of a vaccine, neither of which has occurred.
The University of Illinois Springfield is offering resources to help private and community colleges and state agencies transition to online learning. The UIS Center for Online Learning, Research and Service, or COLRS, has developed a COVID-19 resource page with tips on remote teaching and how to put content online. The Illinois Board of Higher Education requested the services. The UIS center is offering free webinars next week and a new non-credit course in online overview opening April 20.
Illinois State Police have filed emergency rules relaxing requirements to renew Firearm Owner Identification and Concealed Carry Licenses. Cards and licenses will remain valid for 12 months following the end of the COVID-19 disaster proclamation as long as the renewal has been submitted. Concealed carry license holders will have that same time period to submit proof of their three-hour renewal training.
