(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Here are latest developments in the coronavirus outbreak in Illinois on Saturday, May 9, 2020:
- Three more drive-through coronavirus testing sites will be opened next week as Illinois continues efforts to get a handle on the number of infections across the state, Gov. JB Pritzker said Friday as the state reached a new daily benchmark in collecting test samples. The new locations, which have not been announced, join seven mobile facilities now in operation that collectively compile more than 3,000 tests daily. Illinois has a total of 244 public testing sites across the state, the governor said. READ MORE HERE.
- Willie Wilson is giving away five million face masks at three churches on the South and West Sides Saturday to first responders and residents. Find out what churches and when he will be there here.
- NEW NUMBERS: On Saturday, the Illinois Department of Public Health announced 2,325 new cases of coronavirus in Illinois and 111 new deaths, bringing the total cases to 76,085 and 3,349 deaths. MORE INFO HERE.
- Pritzker on Thursday assured jobless residents the state’s unemployment agency is better equipped now to process claims, with 100 new agents starting Monday. In the meantime, a grim milestone was announced: more than 3,000 Illinois deaths attributed to the novel coronavirus. For weeks, Pritzker has faced questions and criticisms that his administration has been unable to deal with a tsunami of unemployment claims caused by the COVID-19 lockdown. People have said they cannot get through by phone or online to tap sorely needed jobless benefits. MORE DETAILS HERE.
- A mysterious illness that may be related to COVID-19 has started showing up in Illinois. The illness affecting children has been seen in Europe and New York. Now there are at least a half-dozen cases in Illinois. Though much is still unknown about the illness, symptoms include a rash, fever, red eyes, swelling in the hands and feet, vomitting, and abdominal pain. READ MORE HERE.
- The Cook County medical examiner confirmed 82 more deaths related to the COVID-19 outbreak Saturday morning. The newly confirmed deaths bring the county’s toll to 2,261, according to the medical examiner’s office. READ MORE HERE.
- Chicago police announced Friday three more cases of COVID-19, bringing the number of cases in the department to 490. Of the confirmed cases, 464 are officers and 23 are civilian employees. DETAILS HERE.
This is a rapidly evolving situation. Stay tuned to WBBM Newsradio where we will remain live, local, and committed to bringing you the latest information during this outbreak. >> LISTEN LIVE!