CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- All professional sporting events in Chicago will have no spectators or be canceled or postponed until May 1 because of the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Thursday at a news conference in which seven new cases were announced.
Pritzker also asked planners to cancel or postpone any social events or gatherings that would draw more than 250 people during that same time period. He said any event with more than 1,000 people will be canceled until May 1 under his authority as governor.
The governor indicated team owners would comply. "I want to thank them for putting the health and safety of the residents of our state above all else. These are not easy decisions to make in business, but every single one of our team owners indicated to me that they care only about what's right for the fans and families of our state."
The first-term governor made the announcement while state and local officials held their latest media briefing on the fast-spreading illness. Illinois has seven new coronavirus cases, taking the toll to 32. The newest batches of cases include a woman in her 40s and a child, in Chicago; three people in outlying Cook County (two women in their 70s and a man in his 50s); a Kane County man in his 70s; and a man in his 60s in McHenry County.
The child in Chicago is doing well, said city Health Commissioner Allison Arwady, who noted it's elderly people who run more of a risk if they contract the disease.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Chicago Public Schools an the CTA will remain open.
"The schools and the CTA are something we think about every single day, and it may evolve. But right now, we don't see any reason or rationale for us to shut down."
Private workplaces are another matter. Lightfoot urged private employers, when possible, to have employees work remotely.
Pritkzer said he will close the James R. Thompson Center Monday. It will be open only to essential personnel.
