(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Here are latest developments in the coronavirus outbreak in Illinois on Friday, April 17, 2020:
- Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said he's still considering whether to extend the Illinois stay-at-home order, but that decision may not come for several days as he continues to look at data and talk with experts. Pritzker said driving his decision for Illinois will be the state's capacity to test people for the novel coronavirus; its ability to trace people who come in contact with the infected; and how effectively hospitals can handle seriously ill patients. MORE DETAILS.
- NEW NUMBERS: The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 1,140 new cases, including 125 deaths. That takes the state's overall known total to 25,733 cases, including 1,072 deaths. It was Illinois largest daily jump in the number of COVID-19-related deaths. READ MORE HERE.
- Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is expected to order that all the state's schools remain closed for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, sources told WBBM Newsradio. He is expected to make the announcement Friday at his daily press conference at 2:30 p.m. DETAILS HERE.
- A third officer of Chicago Police Department has died of the coronavirus, the department announced Friday. READ MORE HERE.
- Gov. Tony Evers has extended Wisconsin's stay-at-home order for another month. The extension issued Thursday keeps nonessential businesses closed until May 26 to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Schools will remain closed for the remainder of the academic year. MORE DETAILS HERE.
- Chicago police on Thursday announced 49 more confirmed cases of COVID-19, raising the total number of cases in the department to 288. Of the cases, 276 are officers and 12 are civilian employees. READ MORE HERE.
- Illinois public heath officials have been telling us that we're doing better than many other states in social distancing. But how do they know that? Cuebiq - a company that is tracking your location through your smart phone. MORE DETAILS HERE.
- The Cook County medical examiner's office confirmed 74 more coronavirus-related deaths Wednesday, raising the county's total to 784. DETAILS HERE.
- A CTA bus mechanic with COVID-19 is the third employee to die from the virus, the transit agency announced Thursday. READ MORE HERE.
- Another employee at the Cook County Circuit Court clerk's office has tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the overall total to 19. MORE DETAILS HERE.
- A Joliet nursing home has been extremely hard-hit by COVID-19, with 23 coronavirus-related deaths. It may be the worst outbreak of its kind in Illinois. READ MORE HERE.
- Hotel Zachary announced Thursday that they are reopening to provide complimentary accommodations to healthcare workers from Lakeview's nearby Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. 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!
