Stories by Quinn Myers
How the Coronavirus Has Stymied Census Outreach Efforts in Chinatown
| Quinn Myers
Will the lack of in-person outreach lead to a census undercount in Chicago’s greater Chinatown community?
‘Chinese Virus’: Asian Americans Condemn Trump’s Comments as Racist
| Quinn Myers
Illinois state Rep. Theresa Mah (D-Chicago) says some constituents are telling her they’re afraid of racist repercussions because of President Donald Trump’s insistence on using the phrase “Chinese virus.”
How Will Pritzker’s Stay-at-Home Order Be Enforced in Communities of Color?
| Paul Caine
Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a stay-at-home order for the entire state just a few days ago, but there are already concerns over how it will be enforced – particularly in communities of color.
Tips for Dealing with High Anxiety in the Age of COVID-19
| Alexandra Silets
The new coronavirus has upended lives across the globe. We take a look at the mental toll of social distancing, isolation and the fear of illness – and ways to cope.
As COVID-19 Spreads, a Chicago Brandy Distillery Turns to Hand Sanitizer
| Quinn Myers
Rhine Hall Distillery is known for its high-end fruit brandies, but business has slowed because of the coronavirus. Now, the distillery is one of several that’s shifting its production from spirits to sanitizer. We go for a look.
Pritzker Launches Task Force to Secure Medical Supplies as COVID-19 Cases Rise
| Kristen Thometz
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has launched a task force to ramp up production of personal protective equipment, or PPE. Meanwhile, cases in Illinois grew Monday to a total of 1,285, with 12 deaths.
2 Detainees in Cook County Jail Test Positive for COVID-19
| Matt Masterson
The two detainees, ages 18 and 42, each began exhibiting flu-like symptoms last Friday. They are each being held in isolation at the jail’s Cermak Hospital, officials said Monday.
Over 1.5 Billion Globally Asked to Stay Home to Escape Virus
| Associated Press
The hunt for masks, ventilators and other medical supplies consumed the U.S. and Europe, as more than 1.5 billion people — one-fifth of the world’s population — were urged or ordered to stay home Monday.
COVID-19 Case at Cook County Jail Prompts More Calls for Mass Detainee Release
| Matt Masterson
A correctional officer who works in the Cook County Jail has tested positive for COVID-19, prompting additional calls for the mass release of some detainees by activists who want to prevent an outbreak within the jail.
Grieving and Saying Goodbye in the Time of Coronavirus
| Associated Press
An untold number of burials around the globe go forward with nothing more than a priest, a funeral home employee and a single loved one amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Chicago Showdown, Round Two: Musical Artists
| Erica Gunderson
This toddlin’ town isn’t just the subject of some iconic songs, it’s also the home of artists who helped innovate and shape modern American music. We’re passionate about our faves, and we want to hear from you. Which of these acts deserves to be crowned champion?
How Much Toilet Paper Do You Really Need? There’s a Calculator for That
| Patty Wetli
A couple of Brits created the website howmuchtoiletpaper.com to help demonstrate need vs. panic buying.
Chaos, Inconsistency Mark Launch of Drive-Thru Virus Testing
| Associated Press
More than a week after President Donald Trump promised that states and retail stores such as Walmart and CVS would open drive-thru test centers, few sites are up and running, and they’re not yet open to the general public.
Quarantinis Anyone? Happy Hours Go Virtual Amid Coronavirus Crisis
| Associated Press
With bars shuttered and stressed-out workers stuck at home, companies and friend groups across the U.S. are holding happy hours over video chat to commiserate and keep spirits high amid the new coronavirus pandemic.
Spotlight Politics: What Does Pritzker’s Order Really Mean for Residents?
| Amanda Vinicky
Starting Saturday evening, Illinois should feel a little quieter than usual. Our politics team has the latest on a just-announced executive order from Gov. J.B. Pritzker to curb spread of the new coronavirus.
How Chicago Artists are Coping with the New Coronavirus Economy
| Angel Idowu
Some businesses deemed essential are staying open as Gov. J.B. Pritzker orders residents across the state to stay home and help prevent spread of the novel coronavirus. But how are mom-and-pop operations weathering the storm?
All Chicago Public Libraries and Parks to Close Saturday
| Patty Wetli
Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the closure of the city’s public libraries and parks as of 5 p.m. Saturday.
Dispatches from the Block: How Chicagoans Are Coping with COVID-19
| Erica Gunderson
As we close out the first week of COVID-19 isolation efforts, Chicagoans are finding themselves with suddenly upended lives. How are you adapting to the “new normal”?
Gov. Pritzker Issues Stay-at-Home Order through April 7 as COVID-19 Cases Climb
| Kristen Thometz
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has ordered Illinois residents to stay home as the number of novel coronavirus cases in the state climbed to 585 on Friday.
Kim Foxx’s Office Won’t Prosecute Low-Level Drug Offenses During COVID-19 Pandemic
| Matt Masterson
“Everyone deserves to be protected, especially during these uncertain times, and we are obligated to ensure all members of our community feel safe, including those behind bars,” said Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx.
‘Chicago, We Need to Love Each Other With All Our Hearts’: Lightfoot
| Patty Wetli
Mayor Lori Lightfoot this week called on Chicagoans to remain connected even while practicing social distance.
US Attorney Tabs Prosecutor to Tackle Cases of COVID-19 Fraud
| Matt Masterson
The newly established COVID-19 fraud coordinator will work with law enforcement to spearhead investigations and prosecutions of anyone attempting to “take advantage of people during this time of crisis.”
Illinois Health Officials Project 3,400 COVID-19 Cases by End of Next Week
| Kristen Thometz
If trends continue, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Illinois could reach 3,400 by next Friday, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
‘Quarantine Shaming’: US Navigates Radical New Social Norms
| Associated Press
“Quarantine shaming” — calling out those not abiding by social distancing rules — is part of a new and startling reality for Americans who must navigate a world of rapidly evolving social norms in the age of COVID-19.
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