(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus outbreak in Illinois on Sunday, April 26, 2020:
- NEW NUMBERS: On Sunday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker reported that there are 2,126 new cases of COVID-19 in Illinois pushing the total to 43,903, many of which have recovered. Fifty-nine more deaths have been reported bringing the toll to 1,933 fatalities. Pritzker said 13,335 tests have been done within a 24-hour period. READ MORE HERE.
- Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker reminded residents Sunday of the importance of following social distancing guidelines as a viral video showing people crowded together at a house party believed to be in Chicago circulated. Asked about the video of the party, which some people are wearing masks, the governor said he has not seen the video but has gotten word of it. He said police can charge people with reckless conduct but they’ve discouraged police from doing that believing that most people will do the right thing. “I would suggest that all of those people violated, not only the intention of the order that we put out but also they violated the trust of their friends and family,” Pritzker said. READ MORE HERE.
- As coronavirus cases in Illinois surpassed 41,000 Saturday, officials acknowledged the increased need for mental health resources to help residents who feel the mental strains from the pandemic. The Kedzie Center, a North Side community-funded mental health clinic, is ramping up services to match the demand from people who want virtual therapy to combat worries of grief, anxiety, relationship strains and youth worried about the future. READ MORE HERE.
- Illinois surpassed its daily goal of testing 10,000 people for the novel coronavirus, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said. On Friday, the state was able to test 16,124 people in the span of a day, said Pritzker, who has made prolific testing a priority as Illinois prepares to reopen after his extended stay-at-home order expires May 30. READ MORE HERE.
- Chicago's mayor overcame a block of dissident aldermen Friday to get temporary authority to spend funds and award contracts during the pandemic. The majority of city council voted in favor to give Mayor Lightfoot emergency powers to quickly approve spending and contracts related to COVID-19 without coming before the full city council. READ MORE 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!