Illinois reports 1,151 new cases of COVID-19 with 59 additional deaths. The state’s daily briefing reports 31,508 cases with 1,349 deaths. Cases are now reported in 95 counties with Cass and White counties confirming their first cases of the novel coronavirus.
Governor JB Pritzker said the growth rate of cases has slowed but has not peaked. Pritzker credited stay-at-home guidelines and social distancing for bending the curve. Pritzker did not rule out loosening stay-at-home guidelines on a county or region basis. The current stay-at-home order continues through April 30.
Illinois will provide an additional $112 million in SNAP food benefits to 316,000 households to cover missed school days due to the state’s school shutdown. Benefits will be automatically added to SNAP cards. Families with school-aged children who are eligible for free or reduced-cost school meals but don’t currently receive SNAP benefits will be able to submit an application next week at ABE.illinois.gov.
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is emphasizing guidelines for safe sleep for children one year old and younger, especially during this time when parents and caregivers may be experiencing increased stress and exhaustion. The department reminds caregivers of the ABCs of Safe Sleep, which recommends that a baby should sleep alone, on his or her back in a safe crib. The crib should have a firm mattress with a tightly-fitted sheet, free of pillows, blankets, pads, stuffed animals and toys.
