CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Here are latest developments in the coronavirus outbreak in Illinois on Saturday, May 2 2020:
- Illinois' modified stay-at-home order began Friday with retail stores able to reopen by taking orders online or by phone and delivering them curbside. Golf courses, some state parks — excluding those in Cook County and Chicago — and greenhouses will be able to open by adhering to strict measures. Patients wanting to have elective surgeries will be able to as well. The extended stay-at-home order expires May 30. MORE DETAILS HERE.
- NEW NUMBERS: The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 3,137 new cases and 105 deaths. That takes the state's overall known total to 56,055 cases, including 2,457 deaths. READ MORE HERE.
- The Illinois Department of Public Health unveiled plans for its new contact tracing initiative to curb the community spread of coronavirus as Illinois keeps flattening the curve. The initiative plans to hire over 3,000 contract tracers to help monitor people who have been exposed to the virus, placing 30 workers per 100,000 residents in Chicago's communities. READ MORE ABOUT THE PLAN HERE.
- Mayor Lightfoot and Gov. Pritzker announced Friday that the McCormick Place Care Facility is no longer needed as the state's curve seems to be flattening. The facility will be phased out in the coming weeks after patients receiving care there have recovered, though no new patients will be admitted. READ MORE HERE.
- Chicago police announced Friday five more cases of COVID-19, bringing the number of confirmed cases in the department to 441. READ MORE HERE.
- In good national news, the FDA on Friday allowed emergency use of an experimental drug that appears to help some coronavirus patients recover faster. MORE DETAILS HERE.
- Protesters not happy with Pritzker's extended home order took to the streets in Chicago and Springfield to voice outrage over being told to stay home. The group Freedom Movement USA planned a day-long rally that included nurses who want to see non-COVID-19 patients receive treatment, business owners demanding the right to operate and individuals simply fearing that government overreach could become a new normal and change our way of life. READ MORE HERE.
- The coronavirus pandemic continues to hit public transportation hard, especially Metra. Metra has seen a 97 percent decrease in ridership, and is now further reducing train service on its three least-busy lines beginning Monday. MORE DETAILS HERE.
- Friday, another music festival was canceled. Ravina, the oldest music festival in the country, has been forced to cancel its 2020 season in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 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