(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Here are latest developments in the coronavirus outbreak in Illinois on Friday, May 29, 2020:
- Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker says his administration has filed a rule meant to prod private nursing homes into stepping up coronavirus testing at long-term care facilities, which have borne the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pritzker said Thursday some privately run nursing homes have effectively turned down help from the state's health department. He did not specify which companies. MORE DETAILS HERE.
- NEW NUMBERS: The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 1,527 new cases and 104 deaths. That takes the state's overall known total to 115,833 cases, including 5,186 deaths. READ MORE HERE.
- Chicago police announced Thursday one more case of COVID-19, bringing the total in the department to 552. Of the confirmed cases, 522 are officers and 30 are civilian employees. MORE DETAILS HERE.
- A pair of Cook County judges have tested positive for COVID-19, marking the first cases of the coronavirus in judges of the Circuit Court, officials announced Thursday. Both work at the 5th Municipal District in Bridgeview. DETAILS HERE.
- Mayor Lightfoot and CDPH Commissioner Dr. Arwady announced Thursday that a date has been set for the City of Chicago to move to Phase Three of the 'Protecting Chicago' framework. On Wednesday, June 3 the City of Chicago will take its first step into Phase Three of the city's reopening process, allowing many businesses and city areas to "partially reopen" to the public. READ MORE HERE.
- The pandemic could bring about the rise of the robots in the retail space. Steven Keith Platt, director and research fellow at the Platt Retail Institute in Hinsdale, said that robots wouldn't replace human workers. Instead, the robots would take on the mundane jobs so people can devote their time to more important tasks. MORE DETAILS HERE.
- As Illinois and Chicago move into Phase Three of its reopening plans, Metra is providing more details about the steps it is taking to ensure passengers will feel safe using its system. Metra said it will provide an opportunity for responsible physical distancing on its trains, as much as and as long as possible. In terms of fares, while Metra will resume accepting cash as payment at ticket windows and on trains on June 1, it strongly encourages passengers to buy their tickets with the Ventra app to limit interactions between crews and passengers. DETAILS HERE.
- There is some good news for Illinois small businesses. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced Thursday a new $7.3 million investment from the U.S. Small Business Administration for the Illinois Small Business Development Center program – a statewide network focused solely on supporting Illinois businesses and entrepreneurs in starting, growing and maintaining their businesses at no cost. In the wake of COVID-19, the state said these centers have played a vital role in connecting businesses with support resources and assistance programs designed to help keep businesses afloat. READ MORE HERE.
- Some Northwestern students are fact-checking during the COVID-19 pandemic. A team of Northwestern University graduate students at the Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications is providing daily fact-checks on public statements about the COVID-19 pandemic. The university said the COVID-19 Analyzer includes an interactive database that allows users to research stories, public statements and social media reports for accuracy, listing them as "true," "mixed" or "false," accompanied by an explanation and links to further information. MORE 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!
