2:30PM SUNDAY, MAY 17

Editor’s Note: This article will be the last “NATION / WORLD” daily update regarding the coronavirus pandemic. We launched this page on March 2 and updated it daily to provide context during the early stages of the emergency, when much of the direction was coming from the CDC and federal government and much of the relevant information about the pandemic concerned its spread worldwide. As the focus returns to the state and local levels, it’s no longer necessary to update this page daily. If there are national news releases of interest to Kane County residents provided by the federal government or CDC, for example, Kane County Connects will post those news releases in separate articles.



Visit the Kane County Health Department website for additional information.

Stats and Projections

Unemployment Numbers ‘Staggering’

CBS NEWS — Economists are hoping for a relatively swift recovery as many U.S. states move to reopen businesses shuttered by COVID-19. But the historic slump that has put some 30 million Americans out of work is likely to get worse — much worse — before it gets better, according to Goldman Sachs.

Other Headlines

Stats and Projections

4PM WEDNESDAY, MAY 13

U.S. Death Toll Flattening

USA TODAY — The news isn’t all bad. Some data dashboards appear to show the daily U.S. death toll is flattening. And Los Angeles County, despite extending its stay-at-home order, opened its beaches Wednesday.

Other Headlines

Stats and Projections

4:30PM TUESDAY, MAY 12

Fauci Says Vaccine Likely, But Not In Time For School

USA TODAY — Dr. Anhony Fauci expressed optimism Tuesday that a vaccine will be found for the coronavirus within a year or two. His confidence stemmed from the fact that most people can fight off the virus themselves, offering scientists an opportunity to devise a way to get the body to combat it better.

Other Headlines

Stats and Projections

4PM MONDAY, MAY 11

U.S. Recovery Might Be More of a Swoosh Than a ‘V’

WALL STREET JOURNAL — Until recently, many policy makers and corporate executives were hoping for a V-shaped economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic: a short, sharp collapse followed by a bounceback to pre-virus levels of activity. Now, however, they expect a “swoosh” recovery.

Other Headlines

Stats and Projections

Johns Hopkins University

Worldometer reports 4,239,088 cases, 286,267 deaths and 1,520,199 recoveries worldwide as of 3:30 p.m. Monday, May 11.

reports 4,239,088 cases, 286,267 deaths and 1,520,199 recoveries worldwide as of 3:30 p.m. Monday, May 11. COVID-19 Projections

2:35PM SUNDAY, MAY 10

3 White House Task Force Members Will Self-Quarantine

Two top officials from the CDC and the FDA, both members of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, will self-quarantine for two weeks after coming in contact with a person who tested positive, officials said. Dr. Anthony Fauci tested negative and will be taking “necessary precautions” after he had less exposure to the cases than others, a spokesperson for National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said.

Other Headlines

Good News

Stats and Projections

Johns Hopkins University

Worldometer reports 4,157,790 cases, 282,860 deaths and 1,467,331 recoveries worldwide as of 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 10.

reports 4,157,790 cases, 282,860 deaths and 1,467,331 recoveries worldwide as of 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 10. COVID-19 Projections

10:30AM FRIDAY, MAY 8

U.S. Unemployment Soars to 14.7%

USA TODAY — The U.S. economy lost 20.5 million jobs in April and the unemployment rate soared to 14.7% — both record highs — laying bare the starkest picture yet of the crippling gut punch delivered by the coronavirus pandemic.

Other Headlines

Stats and Projections

Johns Hopkins University

Worldometer reports 3,952,162 cases, 271,884 deaths and 1,359,728 recoveries worldwide as of 10:11 a.m. Friday, May 8.

reports 3,952,162 cases, 271,884 deaths and 1,359,728 recoveries worldwide as of 10:11 a.m. Friday, May 8. COVID-19 Projections

9:35AM THURSDAY, MAY 7

3.2 Million More Americans File For Unemployment

Roughly 3.2 million Americans filed for unemployment last week alone, the Labor Department said Thursday, bringing the total to about 33 million over the past seven weeks.

Other Headlines

Stats and Projections

Johns Hopkins University

Worldometer reports 3,898,093 cases, 269,525 deaths and 1,333,769 recoveries worldwide as of 3:30 p.m. Thursday, May 7.

reports 3,898,093 cases, 269,525 deaths and 1,333,769 recoveries worldwide as of 3:30 p.m. Thursday, May 7. COVID-19 Projections

2:30PM WEDNESDAY, MAY 6

New York Infection Rate Slows, But Nature of New Cases Is Alarming, Cuomo Says

As New York’s infection rate slows, Gov. Andrew Cuomo is shifting his focus to the new cases coming into hospitals as he looks to refine the state’s containment strategy.

Other Headlines

Stats and Projections

Johns Hopkins University

Worldometer reports 3,978,099 cases, 262,639 deaths and 1,279,192 recoveries worldwide as of 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 6.

reports 3,978,099 cases, 262,639 deaths and 1,279,192 recoveries worldwide as of 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 6. COVID-19 Projections

2:30PM TUESDAY, MAY 5

Italy starts to emerge from world’s longest nationwide Covid-19 lockdown

Stir-crazy Italians will be free to stroll and visit relatives for the first time in nine weeks on Monday as Europe’s hardest-hit country eases back the world’s longest nationwide coronavirus lockdown.

Other Headlines

Stats and Projections

Johns Hopkins University

Worldometer reports 3,705,427 cases, 256,497 deaths and 1,227,489 recoveries worldwide as of 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 5.

reports 3,705,427 cases, 256,497 deaths and 1,227,489 recoveries worldwide as of 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 5. COVID-19 Projections

5:17PM MONDAY, MAY 4

Senate Reconvenes Amid Pandemic

The GOP-led U.S. Senate reconvenes Monday, its members donning masks and promising to practice social distancing, while across the nation many states are slowly reopening their economies. And the House of Representatives has delayed its return to Washington, citing the advice of the top physician for Congress.

Other Headlines

Stats and Projections

Johns Hopkins University

Worldometer reports 3,635,935 cases, 251,612 deaths and 1,188,113 recoveries worldwide as of 5:18 p.m. Monday, May 4.

reports 3,635,935 cases, 251,612 deaths and 1,188,113 recoveries worldwide as of 5:18 p.m. Monday, May 4. COVID-19 Projections

3:45PM SUNDAY, MAY 3

The Food and Drug Administration gave emergency approval to a coronavirus antibody test that has 100% accuracy, according to its Swiss manufacturer.

Other Headlines

Stats and Projections

Johns Hopkins University

Worldometer reports 3,555,547 cases, 247,633 deaths and 1,150,597 recoveries worldwide as of 3:35 p.m. Sunday, May 3.

reports 3,555,547 cases, 247,633 deaths and 1,150,597 recoveries worldwide as of 3:35 p.m. Sunday, May 3. COVID-19 Projections

2PM FRIDAY, MAY 1

Dozens of States Partially Reopening — But … New Report Says 2 Years

USA TODAY — As many states move toward reopening after an April that saw nearly 60,000 deaths because of the coronavirus, a new report offers a stark warning: A group of experts has concluded the pandemic could last as long as two years, until 60% to 70% of the population is immune.

Other Headlines

Stats and Projections

Johns Hopkins University

Worldometer reports 3,370,276 cases, 237,974 deaths and 1,070,775 recoveries worldwide as of 1:50 p.m. Friday, May 1.

reports 3,370,276 cases, 237,974 deaths and 1,070,775 recoveries worldwide as of 1:50 p.m. Friday, May 1. COVID-19 Projections

5PM THURSDAY, APRIL 30

April Unemployment Could Be 20%

ASSOCIATED PRESS — More than 3.8 million laid-off workers applied for unemployment benefits last week as the U.S. economy slid further into a crisis that is becoming the most devastating since the 1930s. Roughly 30.3 million people have now filed for jobless aid in the six weeks since the coronavirus outbreak began .

Other Headlines

Stats and Projections

Johns Hopkins University

Worldometer reports 3,300,660 cases, 233,686 deaths and 1,037,924 recoveries worldwide as of 5:06 p.m. Thursday, April 30.

reports 3,300,660 cases, 233,686 deaths and 1,037,924 recoveries worldwide as of 5:06 p.m. Thursday, April 30. COVID-19 Projections

4:15PM WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29

The U.S. economy contracted 4.8% in the first quarter

USA Today — The U.S. economy, largely shut down by the coronavirus pandemic, turned in its worst performance in more than a decade early this year but the dismal showing reflects just a sliver of the damage to come.

Other Headlines

Stats And Projections

Johns Hopkins University

Worldometer reports 3,160,779 cases, 219,258 deaths and 974,672 recoveries worldwide as of 8:17 a.m. Wednesday, April 29.

reports 3,160,779 cases, 219,258 deaths and 974,672 recoveries worldwide as of 8:17 a.m. Wednesday, April 29. COVID-19 Projections

NOON TUESDAY, APRIL 28

Coronavirus Cases Top 1 Million

CBS News — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States passed 1 million on Tuesday as the death toll climbed to more than 58,000 nationwide, according to a tally from Johns Hopkins University. There have been over 3 million cases worldwide and more than 216,000 deaths globally.

U.S. Reopening Is Coming But ‘Normal’ Still Long Way Off

ASSOCIATED PRESS — As some governors across the United States begin to ease restrictions imposed to stop the spread of the coronavirus, hopes are soaring that life as Americans knew it might be returning. But plans emerging in many states indicate that “normal” is still a long way off.

Other Headlines

Stats, Projections

Johns Hopkins University

Worldometer reports 3,098,940 cases, 213,601 deaths and 938,779 recoveries worldwide as of 11:55 a.m. Tuesday, April 28.

reports 3,098,940 cases, 213,601 deaths and 938,779 recoveries worldwide as of 11:55 a.m. Tuesday, April 28. COVID-19 Projections

2:15PM MONDAY, APRIL 27

World Case Count Passes 3 Million

The worldwide count confirmed COVID-19 cases passed the 3 million mark today, according to Johns Hopkins University.

The number of U.S. positive cases is nearing the 1 million mark, according to the same source as of 2:04 p.m., and could very well cross that plane before the end of today.

Other Headlines

Stats, Projections

Johns Hopkins University

Worldometer reports 3,045,068 cases, 210,282 deaths and 916,181 recoveries worldwide as of 2 p.m. Monday, April 27.

reports 3,045,068 cases, 210,282 deaths and 916,181 recoveries worldwide as of 2 p.m. Monday, April 27. COVID-19 Projections

2:30PM SUNDAY, APRIL 26

COVID-19 World Death Toll Passes 200,000

More than 200,000 people worldwide have now died with the coronavirus, figures from Johns Hopkins University show.

There are more than 2.8 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, according to the tally.

It comes after the number of fatalities in the US passed 50,000, as Americans endure the world’s deadliest outbreak.

Chinese state media reported the first known death linked to the virus on Jan. 11. More than 210 countries and territories have since reported cases.

Other Headlines:

Stats, Projections

Worldometer reports 2,977,193 cases, 206,140 deaths and 874,613 recoveries worldwide as of 2:14 p.m. Sunday, April 26.

reports 2,977,193 cases, 206,140 deaths and 874,613 recoveries worldwide as of 2:14 p.m. Sunday, April 26. COVID-19 Projections

7:30AM SATURDAY, APRIL 25

U.S. Deaths Pass 50,000 Mark

The U.S. death toll from the coronavirus pandemic surpassed 50,000 as some states began reopening parts of their economies and President Trump signed stimulus legislation that boosts small businesses, hospitals and testing.

Other Headlines:

Stats, Projections

Worldometer reports 2848,712 cases, 198, 063 deaths and 812,094 recoveries worldwide as of 7:32 a.m. Saturday, April 25.

reports 2848,712 cases, 198, 063 deaths and 812,094 recoveries worldwide as of 7:32 a.m. Saturday, April 25. COVID-19 Projections

5:30PM THURSDAY, APRIL 23

Associated Press: Coronavirus Hobbling U.S. Economy

The coronavirus outbreak is hobbling the U.S. economy. Unemployment in the U.S. is swelling to levels last seen during the Great Depression of the 1930s, with 1 in 6 American workers thrown out of a job by the new coronavirus.

Other Headlines:

Stats and Projections

Worldometer reports 2,711,913 cases, 190,188 deaths and 743,578 recoveries worldwide as of 5:10 p.m. Thursday, April 23.

reports 2,711,913 cases, 190,188 deaths and 743,578 recoveries worldwide as of 5:10 p.m. Thursday, April 23. COVID-19 Projections

5:15PM WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22

McConnell: ‘Push Pause Button’ on Federal Spending

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says it’s time to “push the pause button” on federal spending, even as Congress rushes to approve a $483 billion coronavirus aid package this week. The deal would replenish a small-business payroll fund and pump more money into hospitals and testing programs.

Other Headlines:

Stats and Projections

Worldometer reports 2,629,951 cases, 183,723 deaths and 716,731 recoveries worldwide as of 4:48 p.m. Wednesday, April 22.

reports 2,629,951 cases, 183,723 deaths and 716,731 recoveries worldwide as of 4:48 p.m. Wednesday, April 22. COVID-19 Projections

5:30PM TUESDAY, APRIL 21

Senate Passes $484 Billion Aid Package

The Senate on Tuesday passed a $484 billion coronavirus relief package that would replenish a depleted loan program for distressed small businesses and provide funds for hospitals and coronavirus testing, approving yet another huge infusion of federal money to address the public health and economic crisis brought on by the pandemic.

Other Headlines:

Stats And Projections

Worldometer reports 2,552,157 cases, 177,230 deaths and 688,412 recoveries worldwide as of 5:20 p.m. Tuesday, April 21.

reports 2,552,157 cases, 177,230 deaths and 688,412 recoveries worldwide as of 5:20 p.m. Tuesday, April 21. COVID-19 Projections

3PM MONDAY, APRIL 20

Congress Closer To $450 Billion Stimulus II — The Sequel

Congress is nearing a $450 billion deal to aid taxpayers and small businesses. The sticking point appears to be spending on COVID-19 testing.

Other Headlines:

Stats And Projections

Worldometer reports 2,471,930 cases, 170,129 deaths and 645,008 recoveries worldwide as of 4:06 p.m. Monday, April 20.

reports 2,471,930 cases, 170,129 deaths and 645,008 recoveries worldwide as of 4:06 p.m. Monday, April 20. COVID-19 Projections

4:30PM SUNDAY, APRIL 19

U.S. Deaths Top 40,000

Coronavirus-related deaths in the U.S. topped 40,000 with New York recording nearly half of all fatalities.

Other Headlines:

Around The World:

Stats And Projections

Worldometer reports 2,399,849 cases, 164,939 deaths and 615,676 recoveries worldwide as of 4:10 p.m. Sunday, April 19.

reports 2,399,849 cases, 164,939 deaths and 615,676 recoveries worldwide as of 4:10 p.m. Sunday, April 19. COVID-19 Projections

4:15PM FRIDAY, APRIL 17

A Deeper Look at Federal Guide to East Restrictions

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration has issued new guidelines for states, individuals and employers on how to gradually revive activity and ease up on social distancing in areas where coronavirus cases are on the decline.

Model projects 4 US states could reopen by May 4

An influential modeling institute is forecasting specific reopening dates for states shut down by the coronavirus. The recommendations are based on projections for when each state’s infections will drop below one per 1 million people. The University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation says Hawaii, Montana, Vermont and West Virginia could open by May 4, if they restrict large gatherings, test widely and quarantine the contacts of people who test positive.

Other Headlines:

Stats And Projections

Worldometer reports 2,231,952 cases, 153,252 deaths and 568,218 recoveries worldwide as of 4 p.m. Friday, April 17.

reports 2,231,952 cases, 153,252 deaths and 568,218 recoveries worldwide as of 4 p.m. Friday, April 17. COVID-19 Projections

8:30PM THURSDAY, APRIL 16

New 3-Phase Federal Guidelines For Opening America

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday the White House’s plan for eventually rolling back social distancing measures and reopening the country’s economy in several phases — depending on location — amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Other Headlines:

8AM THURSDAY, APRIL 16

White House Expected To Issue New Guidelines Today

President Donald Trump will unveil new federal guidelines today that are meant to begin the process of reopening the country, as subsets of the White House coronavirus task force weigh options on how to best advise Americans on returning to workplaces or schools.

More Than 22 Million Americans Out of Work

More than 5.2 million workers were added to the tally of the unemployed on Thursday, another staggering increase that is sure to add fuel to the debate over how long to impose stay-at-home orders and restrictions on business activity. In the last four weeks, the economy has lost about 22 million jobs.

Other Headlines:

Myth Vs. Fact: No, You Don’t Have To Pay Back Your Stimulus Check

CHICAGO (AP) — Videos and online reports claiming that millions of Americans will have to repay the relief checks they receive from the federal government under the $2.2 trillion coronavirus economic recovery bill are not true.

Stats And Projections

Worldometer reports 2,100,667 cases, 136,048 deaths and 523,932 recoveries worldwide as of 7:57 a.m. Thursday, April 16.

reports 2,100,667 cases, 136,048 deaths and 523,932 recoveries worldwide as of 7:57 a.m. Thursday, April 16. COVID-19 Projections



4:30PM WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15

Nursing home deaths soar past 3,300 in alarming surge

NEW YORK — More than 3,300 deaths nationwide have been linked to coronavirus outbreaks in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, an alarming rise in just the past two weeks, according to the latest count by The Associated Press.

Other Headlines:

Stats And Projections

Worldometer reports 2,073,394 cases, 134,007 deaths and 508,861 recoveries worldwide as of 4:29 p.m. Wednesday, April 15.

reports 2,073,394 cases, 134,007 deaths and 508,861 recoveries worldwide as of 4:29 p.m. Wednesday, April 15. COVID-19 Projections — Check the screenshot of the graphic above that projected deaths for the U.S. The curve goes down much more slowly than it rises — and that’s assuming full social distancing through May 30.

9:25AM WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15

Retail Report as Bad as You Might Expect

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. retail sales suffered a record drop in March as mandatory business closures to control the spread of the novel coronavirus outbreak depressed demand for a range of goods, setting up consumer spending for its worst decline in decades.

Other Headlines

6:20PM TUESDAY, APRIL 14

Total Cases Will Pass 2 Million

The number of Covid-19 cases recorded worldwide is nearing 2 million, as Vladimir Putin warned warned officials to brace for “complex and extraordinary” scenarios in Russia as a result of the outbreak.

Additional Headlines:

Stats And Projections

Worldometer reports 1,992,189 cases, 126,066 deaths and 467,207 recoveries worldwide as of 6:20 p.m. Tuesday, April 14.

reports 1,992,189 cases, 126,066 deaths and 467,207 recoveries worldwide as of 6:20 p.m. Tuesday, April 14. COVID-19 Projections — The U.S. numbers go down from here … but gradually.

7:30AM TUESDAY, APRIL 14

Tuesday Morning Briefing

President Donald Trump is set to announce a new task force Tuesday that will focus on whether the administration should extend social distancing guidelines and open the country to business as usual.

Other Headlines:

Stats And Projections

Worldometer reports 1,937,268 cases, 120,600 deaths and 459,089 recoveries worldwide as of 6:58 a.m. Tuesday, April 14.

reports 1,937,268 cases, 120,600 deaths and 459,089 recoveries worldwide as of 6:58 a.m. Tuesday, April 14. COVID-19 Projections

Morning Good News

8:30AM MONDAY, APRIL 13

Monday Morning Briefing

“When you say get back to normal, it’s not going to be a light switch that you turn on and off… the bottom line of it all is that we see looking forward, it is very likely that we will progress toward the steps toward normalization as we get to the end of this 30 days.” — Fauci pic.twitter.com/GDwCrwLVlA — CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) April 9, 2020

Stats And Projections

Worldometer reports 1,838,017 cases, 113,313 deaths and 421,646 recoveries worldwide as of 2:19 p.m. Sunday, April 12.

reports 1,838,017 cases, 113,313 deaths and 421,646 recoveries worldwide as of 2:19 p.m. Sunday, April 12. COVID-19 Projections

2PM SUNDAY, APRIL 12

Easter Services Shared On TV

Stats And Projections

Worldometer reports 1,838,017 cases, 113,313 deaths and 421,646 recoveries worldwide as of 2:19 p.m. Sunday, April 12.

reports 1,838,017 cases, 113,313 deaths and 421,646 recoveries worldwide as of 2:19 p.m. Sunday, April 12. COVID-19 Projections

4:45PM FRIDAY, APRIL 10

Christians Mark Good Friday in Isolation

JERUSALEM (AP) — On the day set aside to mark Christ’s crucifixion, most churches stood empty. Streets normally filled with emotional processions were silent. St. Peter’s Square was almost deserted. And many religious sites in the Holy Land were closed.

Other Headlines:

Stats And Projections

Worldometer reports 1,688,145 cases, 102,209 deaths and 375,248 recoveries worldwide as of 4:40 p.m. Friday, April 10.

reports 1,688,145 cases, 102,209 deaths and 375,248 recoveries worldwide as of 4:40 p.m. Friday, April 10. COVID-19 Projections

4:30PM THURSDAY, APRIL 9



16.8 Americans Lost Jobs in 3 Weeks

A staggering 16.8 million Americans lost their jobs in just three weeks in a measure of how fast the coronavirus has brought world economies to their knees.

Today, the Labor Department reported that another 6.6 million people had filed for unemployment benefits last week.

Other Headlines:

Stats And Projections

Worldometer reports 1,593,515 cases, 95,047 deaths and 355,262 recoveries worldwide as of 4:50 p.m. Thursday, April 9.

reports 1,593,515 cases, 95,047 deaths and 355,262 recoveries worldwide as of 4:50 p.m. Thursday, April 9. COVID-19 Projections

3PM WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8

Fauci Signals Return To Work For Recovered COVID-19 Patients

The Association Press and other sites report today that the Trump administration could relax coronavirus guidelines as early as this week to make it easier for Americans who have been exposed but have no symptoms to return to work, particularly those in essential jobs.

Other Headlines:

Stats And Projections

Worldometer reports 1,496,335 cases, 87,615 deaths and 319,160 recoveries worldwide as of 2:37 p.m. Wednesday, April 8.

reports 1,496,335 cases, 87,615 deaths and 319,160 recoveries worldwide as of 2:37 p.m. Wednesday, April 8. COVID-19 Projections

FEMA on Facebook

4: 15 PM TUESDAY, APRIL 7

Other Headlines:

Stats And Projections

Worldometer reports 1,419,126 cases, 81,511 deaths and 301,488 recoveries worldwide as of 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 7.

reports 1,419,126 cases, 81,511 deaths and 301,488 recoveries worldwide as of 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 7. COVID-19 Projections

4:30PM MONDAY, APRIL 6

U.S. Deaths Now Over 10,000

More than 10,000 people have now died from COVID-19 in the U.S., as the coronavirus pandemic’s horrible toll hit another milestone on Monday, NPR and other sources report.

Other Headlines:

4PM SUNDAY, APRIL 5

Americans brace for ‘hardest, saddest’ week of their lives

Americans braced for what the nation’s top doctor warned Sunday would be “the hardest and saddest week” of their lives while Britain assumed the unwelcome mantle of deadliest coronavirus hotspot in Europe after a record 24-hour jump in deaths that surpassed even hard-hit Italy. — Associated Press

U.K. Prime Minister Hospitalized

U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson was taken to a London hospital on Sunday evening with “persistent symptoms” — including a temperature, the BBC and other sources report.

5PM FRIDAY, APRIL 3

CDC Recommends Public Wear Masks

The CDC on Friday recommened wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

It is critical to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social distancing remains important to slowing the spread of the virus. CDC is additionally advising the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.

Headlines

Good News Of The Day

5PM THURSDAY, APRIL 2

10 Million Americans Have Now Filed For Unemployment

A record 6.65 million Americans filed first-time jobless claims last week, the Labor Department said today. A stunning 10 million workers now have sought unemployment benefits in just two weeks.

9AM THURSDAY, APRIL 2

Here are some other national/world headlines as we begin the day:

Today’s Happy Read

J.K. Rowling is adding a bit of magic to people’s time in quarantine due to coronavirus. The “Harry Potter” author announced Wednesday that she launched “Harry Potter At Home,” an online hub where people can find Harry Potter-themed entertainment.

6:20PM WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1

More Than a Third of Americans Are ‘At Risk’

More than a third of American adults — or 105 million people — are at higher risk of serious illness if they get infected with the coronavirus, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation analysis of CDC data. For most of them, their age puts them in danger: More than 76 million Americans are 60 or older. The remaining 29 million people are younger but have underlying health issues.

Today’s Read

5PM TUESDAY, MARCH 31

Here’s a quick look at what’s happening on a national and international level as of 3 p.m. Tuesday.

5PM MONDAY, MARCH 30

Abbott Labs Test Kits Called ‘Game Changer’

Here are some afternoon headlines from the national and world stage:

9:42AM MONDAY, MARCH 30

Here’s the morning update as of 9:40 a.m. Monday, March 30.

Today’s Read

Check out The Math Behind Social Distancing.

8:30PM SUNDAY, MARCH 29

The U.S. will extend its “15 Days To Slow The Spread” to April 30, federal officials said Sunday.

President Donald Trump made the announcement at around 5 p.m. Sunday, March 29.

Click this link to read the Coronavirus Guidelines For America.

The best news from the national and worldwide statistics on the COVID-19 pandemic is that deaths in Italy are continuing to decrease and that the number of recoveries worldwide are more than 150,000. The numbers of confirmed cases are still under 500 for many states, as you can see by the CDC’s map above.

That said, the statistics also underline the importance of staying at home, following the CDC guidelines — washing your hands and maintaining physical distance — because we are on the steeply-rising arch of the bell curve here in the U.S.

4:30PM FRIDAY, MARCH 27

Congress Passes $2.2 Trillion Stimulus

Here are some headlines as of 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 27:

7:40AM FRIDAY, MARCH 27

Here are some morning headlines:

U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson tests positive for coronavirus , the BBC reports.

, the BBC reports. Passage of $2 trillion relief bill could be delayed , the New York Times reports. The House is expected to approve the measure on Friday by voice vote, but that plan could be derailed if any member insists on a recorded vote.

, the New York Times reports. The House is expected to approve the measure on Friday by voice vote, but that plan could be derailed if any member insists on a recorded vote. The total number of confirmed infections in the United States is more than 85,000, for the first time exceeding those in China.

Other Interesting Stories

What The Stimulus Does

SOURCE: the White House news release

The CARES Act, as it’s called, will provide:

$1,200 direct payments to middle-class Americans, plus $500 for each child—a total of $3,400 for a family of four

$100 billion in direct support to our hospital systems, first responders, and health care workers

$370+ billion to small business owners to keep employees on the payroll

Delays federal student loan payments for the next 6 months

4PM THURSDAY, MARCH 26

Today’s national economic headlines are classic and startling good-news-bad-news stories.

As Congress is poised to pass an unprecedented $2.2 trillion stimulus package that earned unanimous approval in the Senate, stock markets had their best day ever.

On the flip side of that good news come reports from Illinois and the federal government of the massive numbers of workers who have applied for unemployment in recent days. Nationally, the number of unemployment filings were 3.2 million, according to numerous sources.

Other headlines this afternoon include:

9AM THURSDAY, MARCH 26

Here’s an update on some of the headlines this morning:

Worldometer shows 490,271 cases, 22,156 deaths and 118,060 recoveries as of 8:40 a.m. Thursday.

shows 490,271 cases, 22,156 deaths and 118,060 recoveries as of 8:40 a.m. Thursday. The Dow is up 500 points in early trading this morning, after the Senate passed a $2 trillion stimulus package and the House is expected to vote today.

in early trading this morning, after the Senate passed a $2 trillion stimulus package and the House is expected to vote today. More than 3 million people have filed for unemployment in the U.S. due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today From The World Health Organization

As of today, the U.S. has recorded the third-highest number of cases worldwide, behind China and Italy. Here’s a look at what WHO is reporting as of 9 a.m. Thursday.

China :81869 cases Italy :69176 cases United States of America :51914 cases Spain :39673 cases Germany :31554 cases Iran (Islamic Republic of) :27017 cases France :22025 cases Republic of Korea :9137 cases Switzerland :8789 cases The United Kingdom :8081 cases

5PM WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25

Afternoon headlines:

10:40AM WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25

Early headlines:

Today From Worldometers

SOURCE: https://www.worldometers.info/

112 , 390 — this year Seasonal flu deaths

Quick facts: Every year an estimated 290,000 to 650,000 people die in the world due to complications from seasonal influenza (flu) viruses.

This figure corresponds to 795 to 1,781 deaths per day due to the seasonal flu. Sources and info: Seasonal flu death estimate increases worldwide – CDC

– CDC Up to 650,000 people die of respiratory diseases linked to seasonal flu each year – World Health Organization (WHO)

7PM TUESDAY, MARCH 24

President Donald Trump says he wants “the country opened” by Easter, according to the National Review and other sources.

Worldometer has the totals at 421,413 cases, 18,810 deaths and 107,388 recoveries worldwide as of 7:32 p.m. Tuesday.

The CDC shows 44,183 cases and 544 deaths as of 1:47 p.m.

Other interesting national and world updates:

Government officials said they were optimistic about finalizing an agreement on Tuesday on a roughly $2 trillion economic stabilization plan to respond to the pandemic.

on Tuesday on a roughly $2 trillion economic stabilization plan to respond to the pandemic. That has sent the stock markets up, according to MarketWatch and other sources.

and other sources. A loss of a sense of smell or taste may be a symptom of COVID-19 , medical groups representing ear, nose and throat specialists have warned in a report by USA Today.

, medical groups representing ear, nose and throat specialists have warned in a report by USA Today. California reports what is thought to be the first teen COVID-19 death in U.S.

PREVIOUS POSTS / LINKS / CDC & IDPH CASE TOTALS

7PM MONDAY, MARCH 23

8PM SUNDAY, MARCH 22

Worldometer has the totals at 336,075 cases, 14,613 deaths and 97,636 recoveries worldwide as of 7:45 p.m.

A $2 trillion rescue package has stalled in Congress, according to the Chicago Tribune.

New York State now has roughly 5 percent of the world’s cases. according to the New York Times and other sources.

Sen. Rand Paul has tested positive for CODId-19, according to the Associated Press and many other sources.

The death toll from the coronavirus pandemic continued its relentless rise in Europe on Sunday with Italy announcing 651 dead in one day, bringing its total to 5,476, according to CNBC and other sources

1:43PM UPDATE FRIDAY, MARCH 20



Here’s the latest:

The COVID-19 death toll in the U.S. is up to 201, with the total number of cases up to 15,219 — a 50% increase since this morning’s CDC report.

Worldwide, the death toll has topped 11,100, as Italy saw its biggest one-day increase on Friday.

on Friday. The Tribune is reporting that Gov. JB Pritzker will order a “shelter in place” that will start today. The state’s daily press conference generally starts after 2:30 p.m. so check the COVID-19 STATE landing page for updates.

is reporting that Gov. JB Pritzker will order a “shelter in place” that will start today. The state’s daily press conference generally starts after 2:30 p.m. so check the landing page for updates. Meanwhile, Tax Day has been moved back to July.

back to July. The U.S. closed the border to and from Mexico for non-essential traffic.

10:50AM UPDATE

White House news conference going on now. Click here to watch.

UPDATED 8:30AM FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2020

Here’s a quick morning update from the national and international news side:

The CDC reports 10,442 confirmed cases and 150 deaths nationwide as we start the day.

reports 10,442 confirmed cases and 150 deaths nationwide as we start the day. As we heard last night, California’s governor has ordered residents to stay home.

to stay home. And the stock market is rising as the day begins.

Tune in later today for additional updates.

UPDATED 5 PM THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020

Government and health officials say the next few days are likely to be very important in determining where we are on the COVID-19 bell curve, according to USA Today and other sources.

Soon, the United States will find out whether it’s likely to be the next South Korea or Italy or even China when it comes to the acceleration of coronavirus cases and deaths.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a “stay at home” order for the entire state, according to USA Today and other sources.

Congress today is weighing a $1 trillion relief plan, according to the New York Times and many other sources.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell proposed direct payments of $1,200 per person and $2,400 for couples as part of a sweeping Republican response to the coronavirus outbreak, according to the Associated Press and other sources.

Stocks ended slightly higher, according to MarketWatch and other sources.

Italy’s death toll soars, the New York Times and other sources report.

Two additional members of the U.S. House of Representative have tested positive, according to NBC News and other sources.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced she will keep Chicago Public Schools closed until April 20 and has created a $100 million fund to provide low-interest loans to small businesses, the Tribune reports.

Regionally, Metra’s regular schedule remains in place through Friday, but the train service is consider options for an alternative schedule.

Locally and statewide, Kane County reports its sixth COVID-19 case while the state of Illinois reports 522 total cases and four deaths — including three new deaths reported today (Thursday).

KCC Adds Local COVID-19 Business/Consumers Landing Page

Kane County Connects will share information from local chambers of commerce regarding business services and other important information. Kane County chambers are encouraged to email links, images and news releases to kanecountyconnects@gmail.com.

Other Interesting Posts

Editor’s Note: These are articles I found interesting or insightful — and only that. As with all posts, Kane County Connects suggests readers seek additional information from reliable sources.

UPDATED 8PM WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2020

You could soon be getting a check from the federal government. The Chicago Tribune reports that the Treasury Department wants to dedicate $500 billion to start issuing direct payments to Americans by early next month. The treasury proposed two $250 billion cash infusions to individuals: a first set of checks issued starting April 6, with a second wave in mid-May. The amounts would depend on income and family size. That news follows another Dow Jones Industrial Average tumble. The Dow was down by more than 1,300 points or 6.28%, according to ABC News and other sources.

The CDC today reports 7,038 confirmed cases and 97 deaths. All 50 states have now reported cases.

Members of the Kane County Health Committee met today, keeping social distancing as they grappled with methods of coping with the coronavirus pandemic locally.

Bullet points from the federal government:

The Defense Department will massively expand medical resources, making 5 million respirator masks and 2,000 ventilators available for use.

FEMA is now activated in every region of the country and at the highest level .

The Department of Housing & Urban Development will be suspending foreclosures and evictions until the end of April.

Health & Human Services will also suspend foreclosures and evictions.

Navy hospital ships are being deployed to impacted areas.

America and Canada will halt all non-essential travel across their border.

As Kane County and state of Illinois voters head to the polls today (Tuesday, March 17, 2020), there are reasons for concern and optimism.

People appear to be taking serious the advice of Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Anthony Fauci, who asked U.S. citizens to limit social gatherings of more than 10 people during the coronavirus pandemic.

Fauci said Monday that people should expect a dramatic rise in the number of cases and deaths in the U.S. this week, as the bell curve begins its ascent.

President Donald Trump said in a news conference Monday that the virus might take until July or August to play out.

The CDC’s new guidelines include a “15 Days to Slow The Spread” campaign.

There are more warnings today about disinformation during the pandemic. One of the most pervasive on social media is the “Stanford Hospital Board Internal Message” that mixes a few facts with several outright falsehoods — including the advice that you can test yourself for the virus my holding your breath for 10 seconds.

Stock markets are strong as of midday Tuesday, offering some respite from selling after Monday’s declines sent the Dow off by its largest percentage drop since Black Monday of 1987.

Nationally, there are 4,226 confirmed cases and 75 deaths as of Tuesday, March 17, according to the CDC.

Here in Illinois, the number of confirmed cases is more than 100, but there have been no deaths reported.

NBC reports that California officials ordered a complete lockdown of the Bay Area, including San Francisco. People will be required to stay home except for essential needs.

In the past two days, Gov. JB Pritzker mandated that all restaurants and bars close for two weeks, but decided to let the March 17 primary election move ahead as scheduled.

There was a “run on the bank” that emptied local grocery and retail stores this weekend, as Kane County residents stocked up for the two to eight weeks officials say will be need for social distancing aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus.

The Chicago Tribune reports that Jewel-Osco, Walmart and Trader Joe’s are among the chains that are shortening their hours so they can clean and restock as shoppers flock to stores amid coronavirus concerns.

On Friday, Gov. JB Pritzker ordered the closing of all public and private schools. Many Kane County School Districts closed Monday but are still offering school lunches.

International Numbers



Check Worldometers to see the most recent numbers of cases, deaths and recoveries worldwide.

Global case numbers are reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) in their coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation reportexternal icon. For U.S. information, visit CDC’s COVID-19 in the U.S.

CDC: COVID-19 U.S. at a Glance

Updated March 24, 2020

Kane County Schools

State: 46 More Cases Friday



Local Government: Courts, Municipalities, Libraries, Park Districts



CDC Sets New Rules



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