Black and Latino communities are disproportionately getting sick and dying from the coronavirus, but a new analysis reveals additional disparities that are impacting families during the public health crisis.
Stories by kristen thometz
State Launches Program to Close Digital Divide, Calls for Donations
COVID-19 in Illinois: 7,123 New Cases, 146 Additional Deaths
The coronavirus pandemic has made internet access more essential than ever as people work and learn from home. But not everyone has a device to connect to the web — or internet access itself.
Pritzker Outlines $700 Million in Budget Cuts
COVID-19 in Illinois: 7,359 New Cases, 117 Additional Deaths
Facing a nearly $4 billion budget hole, Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday outlined millions in cuts that he called a “first step” toward balancing the state’s budget.
Illinois Marks ‘Beginning of the End’ as First COVID-19 Vaccines Are Administered
Plus: IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike on ‘Chicago Tonight’
The state’s first round of COVID-19 vaccinations outside of Chicago took place Tuesday morning in Peoria, where five health care workers rolled up their sleeves to get their first dose.
Cook County Officials Expect to Get 20K Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine This Week
Suburban Cook County health officials outlined their vaccination plans Monday as they await the shipment of 20,000 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech.
Illinois Receives Its 1st Shipment of COVID-19 Vaccine as Officials Urge Patience
COVID-19 in Illinois: 7,214 New Cases, 103 Additional Deaths
“Today is a very special day that should instill us all with optimism and hope,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Monday as the state received an initial shipment of about 43,000 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine made by Pfizer.
Suburban Cook County Launches Initiative to Prevent Opioid Overdose Deaths
With suburban Cook County on track to exceed 2,000 opioid overdose deaths this year, officials announce a program to address the “silent epidemic” that will connect people with treatment.
As Winter Holidays Near, Officials Urge People to Gather Virtually
COVID-19 in Illinois: 8,256 New Cases, 179 Additional Deaths
“I urge people to postpone the normal ways that you’re used to celebrating. We are advising people to postpone travel during the holidays,” Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said Wednesday.
Pritzker: ‘Illinois Will Only Distribute a Vaccine That Is Deemed Safe’
COVID-19 in Illinois: 7,910 New Cases, 145 Additional Deaths
With coronavirus vaccines on the horizon, state health officials are addressing people’s fears and skepticism surrounding their rapid development.
7 Things to Know About Illinois’ Plans for a COVID-19 Vaccine
The U.S. is about to embark on a massive COVID-19 vaccination campaign. Here's what you need to know about the state’s plan.
Is It Safe to Get Physical Therapy During COVID-19 Pandemic?
If you have pain, you may be tempted to tough it out while the nation sees a surge in coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths. But that’s not advisable, physical therapists say.
Ezike: ‘Let’s Not Make This Holiday Season Anyone’s Last’
COVID-19 in Illinois: 9,757 New Cases, 238 Additional Deaths
State health officials reported 238 coronavirus-related deaths Wednesday, setting a new record for the number of fatalities reported in a single day in Illinois as Dr. Ngozi Ezike urged residents to “stay the course.”
‘Assume You Were Exposed’ to Virus, Pritzker Says, Urging People to Stay Home
COVID-19 in Illinois: 12,542 New Cases, 125 Additional Deaths
Anticipating a surge in coronavirus cases as result of Thanksgiving travel and gatherings, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said people should assume they’ve been exposed to the virus “and act like it.”
‘Tier 3’ Restrictions to Remain for Weeks as Officials Monitor Post-Thanksgiving Surge
COVID-19 in Illinois: 6,190 New Cases, 85 Additional Deaths
While the number of new COVID-19 cases have been declining in recent days, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the state is seeing a spike in hospitalizations and is “still very much in a precarious place.”
Survey: Roughly 70% of Chicago Parents Will Vaccinate Their Kids Against COVID-19
“Communities that have been most negatively affected by COVID-19 are less likely to say they would to vaccinate their children and themselves against COVID-19,” said Dr. Matt Davis of Lurie Children’s Hospital.
Officials Release Reports on COVID-19 Outbreak in LaSalle Veterans Home
Findings from an investigation into a COVID-19 outbreak that has sickened more than 200 people revealed the facility was using hand sanitizer that was not effective against the virus and lax social distancing among staff.
UChicago Seeking 2,000 Volunteers for Clinical Trial of COVID-19 Vaccine
“We are looking for individuals from all walks of life to participate in this study,” said Dr. Habibul Ahsan, trial leader for the UChicago study. “We want to be sure that the community our hospital serves is well represented in this trial.”
Pritzker Calls for COVID-19 Relief Funds as State Details Unemployment Claims, Fraud
COVID-19 in Illinois: 8,322 New Cases, 47 Additional Deaths
With many pandemic-related unemployment programs funded by the federal government set to expire within weeks, Gov. J.B. Pritzker called on Congress to act. “People are hurting and people need help,” he said.
Illinois Moves to ‘Tier 3’ Restrictions Starting Friday to Curb COVID-19 Surge
COVID-19 in Illinois: 12,601 New Cases, 97 Additional Deaths
Facing “exponential growth” in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, Illinois will soon begin operating under tighter restrictions designed to stop the spread of the virus — and avoid another stay-at-home order, the governor said.
Pritzker: Wear Masks, Stay Home to Help Health Care Workers Fight COVID-19
COVID-19 in Illinois: 11,632 New Cases, 37 Additional Deaths
With coronavirus infections and hospitalizations on the rise, officials are again urging residents to do their part in fighting the virus as health care workers face a COVID-19 crisis.
Pritzker: Rising COVID-19 Hospitalizations Nearing Spring Peak
Public health officials reported a record number of new COVID-19 cases in Illinois on Tuesday. As the number of cases goes up, so too does the number of people hospitalized with the virus.
Pritzker: Officials Flouting Mitigations Will be Responsible for Rising COVID-19 Rates
“Local officials who are not doing the right thing are going to be the ones responsible for our rates of infection going through the roof,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Tuesday.
As COVID-19 Rates Rise, Officials Urge Residents to Practice Safety at the Polls
If you plan to vote in person on Election Day, state health officials have some requests. “Don’t forget to wear a mask and keep your distance,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Monday.
North Suburbs Hit with COVID-19 Restrictions Starting on Halloween
By the end of the week, Chicago and the surrounding suburbs will be operating under tightened rules designed to stop the spread of the coronavirus, including a suspension of indoor services at bars and restaurants.
Pandemic Creates Challenges, Opportunities for Doulas, Expectant Families
Doulas are trained to provide support to pregnant women during labor and delivery. But the arrival of COVID-19 has changed that hands-on relationship to one that relies on virtual connections.
Indoor Service at Chicago Bars, Restaurants Suspended Amid COVID-19 Spike
New restrictions for Chicago begin Friday. “For a time in late summer, Chicago seemed to have this more under control than other regions in Illinois, but that’s no longer the case,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said.
