For coronavirus updates on Thursday, click here.

Illinois officials on Wednesday announced six new cases of the coronavirus, pushing the total number in the state to 25. Meanwhile, a worker in Prudential Plaza tested positive for the virus, causing companies there and in nearby buildings to take measures to prevent the illness from spreading.


Earlier on Wednesday, Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day parades were canceled as coronavirus cases spread beyond the immediate Chicago area in Illinois. Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced what city officials said was the postponement of the events in a news conference.

On Wednesday night, President Donald Trump announced he is cutting off travel from Europe to the U.S. for 30 days. The number of coronavirus cases in the United States, according to a tally cited by the Associated Press, jumped Wednesday to more than 1,000 — with at least 31 of them fatal, according to CDC Director Robert Redfield. No deaths have been reported in Illinois.


Expressing increasing alarm about mounting infections, the World Health Organization declared Wednesday that the global coronavirus crisis is now a pandemic. The virus has been reported in 118 countries, with more than 118,000 people infected and nearly 4,300 deaths recorded, according to WHO.

As the effects of the virus spread in Illinois, the Tribune is keeping a running list of Chicago-area closings and cancellations because of coronavirus and asking experts to answer your questions about COVID-19.

Here’s what happened on Wednesday in the Chicago area, Illinois and beyond:

10: 30 p.m.: DePaul says spring quarter classes will be delivered remotely ‘whenever possible’

DePaul University President A. Gabriel Esteban said in a Wednesday update that campuses remain open, but final exams for winter quarter will not take place on campus and all university-sponsored events are postponed or canceled until further notice.

For spring quarter, classes will be delivered remotely “whenever possible,” according to DePaul, and “students who live in residence halls should prepare not to return.” Read more here.

8:50 p.m.: NBA suspends its season after Jazz star Rudy Gobert reportedly tests positive

The NBA has suspended its season “until further notice” after a Utah Jazz player tested positive Wednesday for the coronavirus, a move that came only hours after the majority of the league’s owners were leaning toward playing games without fans in arenas. Read more here.

8:43 p.m.: Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson test positive for coronavirus

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have announced that they have tested positive for the coronavirus, the first celebrities to go public with a diagnosis. Hanks and Wilson, both 63, revealed the news with a statement on Wednesday. Read more here. — Variety

8:15 p.m.: Trump suspends all travel from Europe to US for 30 days

Taking drastic action Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced he is cutting off travel from Europe to the U.S. and moving to ease the economic cost of a viral pandemic that is roiling global financial markets and disrupting the daily lives of Americans. Read more here. — Associated Press

6:55 p.m.: Classes at U. of I., Northwestern, Illinois State will be moved online after spring break

Becoming the first Illinois colleges to drastically alter campus operations, the University of Illinois System, Northwestern University and Illinois State University all announced that classes will be moved to online formats for several weeks in an effort to stem the spread of the coronavirus, now deemed a global pandemic. Read more here. — Elyssa Cherney

6:15 p.m.: Big Ten Tournament isn’t allowing fans starting Thursday

The Big Ten announced its men’s basketball tournament, which started with two games Wednesday evening, will be played without fans starting Thursday. Read more here.

5:33 p.m.: Tours of Illinois State Capitol in Springfield canceled

Tours of the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield are being cancelled as are large gatherings in the building, such as lobby days and rallies, “out of concern for public safety to try to reduce the size of the crowds in the building,” Secretary of State’s Office spokesman Dave Druker said Wednesday.

“I want to emphasize that the building is open to the public, it’s not shut down, it’s these special, large events that we’re cancelling,” Druker said. “And by the way we’re asking the lobbyists if they can talk to their clients about reducing their trips to Springfield or maybe even cutting them all out and absolutely not bringing in large groups.”


There is also a “more aggressive” nightly deep cleaning effort being undertaken at the Capitol in response to coronavirus concerns, Druker said, in addition to an increase in hand sanitizer stations that have been placed around the building in recent weeks.

The Department of Motor Vehicles in northwest suburban Woodstock was also closed on Wednesday and employees were sent home, but will reopen Thursday. — Jamie Munks

5:32 p.m.: People showing symptoms of illness should not report for jury duty, Cook County Chief Judge’s office says

Anyone summoned for jury duty who is running a fever or otherwise showing symptoms of illness should not report for service, a spokesman for the Cook County Chief Judge’s office said in a statement Wednesday evening.


Instead, those prospective jurors are encouraged to contact the jury office at 312-603-5879 to reschedule.


“These are standard procedures but especially important at this time,” the statement from spokesman Pat Milhizer read.

Courthouses, by design, gather people in close quarters – in jury rooms, lockups and courtroom galleries.

Crews at courthouses are cleaning regularly with an emphasis on doorknobs, elevators and restrooms — “first-touch” areas, the statement read. Employees are being encouraged to wash their hands often, disinfect frequently used objects, and stay home when sick.

In response to a follow-up question from the Tribune, Milhizer said his office is not aware of any employees or jurors who are self-isolating, exhibiting symptoms or who have tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

A dozen courthouse tours have been postponed at the Daley Center and the county’s main criminal courthouse at 26th and California. Two Daley Center seminars aimed at senior citizens have also been postponed. — Megan Crepeau

5:25 p.m.: How the coronavirus is taking its toll on elections

Coronavirus is touching all facets of life, including the upcoming primary election in Illinois.

Concerns about the virus have contributed to a surge in vote-by-mail applications and the closure of polling places in the city of Chicago. The pandemic also had led election officials to plan extra precautions at polling places throughout northeast Illinois, including deep cleanings and plentiful supplies of hand sanitizer. Read more here. — Patrick O’Connell and Sophie Sherry

4:26 p.m.: Amtrak to reduce routes, roll out voluntary leave program as coronavirus cuts train travel in half

Amtrak told employees Wednesday it will “significantly” reduce service and offer an unpaid voluntary leave program as bookings on the national railroad drop 50% in the wake of the growing coronavirus outbreak.

The memo, which was obtained by the Tribune, said cancellations are up 300% and ridership has “declined sharply” in the Northeast and across Amtrak’s national network, with those trends accelerating in recent days. Read more here. — Robert Channick

4:15 p.m.: Lombard District 44 to reopen schools on Thursday

Lombard Elementary District 44 said it will reopen schools Thursday after a day of “disinfection and cleaning” tied to coronavirus concerns.

The district notified families late Tuesday afternoon that a person who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 attended a volleyball game at Glenn Westlake Middle School on March 4. As a precaution, it said, it was closing all schools for an enhanced cleaning.

“We felt that even though the person was only at Westlake, due to the mobility of our staff and students, it was best to err on the side of caution,” district spokeswoman Jenn Nimke said.

The DuPage County Health Department downplayed the potential risks, saying the person, who is from Kane County, did not interact with the athletes or other spectators at the sparsely attended game. The virus, it said, appears to be transmitted most frequently through person-to-person contact rather than contaminated surfaces.

On Wednesday afternoon, Superintendent Ted Stec said in a letter that the cleaning job would be finished in time for students to report for class Thursday. He noted that the health department has not reported any active coronavirus cases in DuPage County, and has not recommended canceling any afterschool or parent activities.

“Certainly, though, if any group or individual is not comfortable hosting or attending these types of events, we understand and that is at your discretion,” he said. — John Keilman

Breaking coronavirus news Stay up to date with the latest information on coronavirus with our breaking news alerts.

4 p.m.: Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders cancel Illinois campaign rallies amid coronavirus concerns

Former Vice President Joe Biden and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders both have canceled campaign rallies planned for Illinois amid ongoing concerns about the spread of coronavirus in the state.

The Sanders campaign had been finalizing plans for a rally in Downstate Illinois before deciding Wednesday to cancel the event. Biden had plans for a Friday night rally in Chicago that now will be replaced with a “virtual event.” Read more here. — Bill Ruthhart

3:53 p.m.: Chicago-area blood drives canceled, sparking concern about hospital supplies

Blood banks are seeing blood drives canceled across the Chicago area as the new coronavirus continues to spread — sparking concerns about their ability to keep enough blood on-hand for hospitals. Read more here. — Lisa Schencker

3:50 p.m.: Update: Employee diagnosed with coronavirus works in One Prudential Plaza for CA Ventures

The employee who was diagnosed with the coronavirus works in One Prudential Plaza for CA Ventures, the commercial real estate developer confirmed Wednesday afternoon. The employee has not been in the company’s headquarters at 130 E. Randolph St. since March 3 and has been under quarantine since the diagnosis, CA Ventures said in a statement. Read more here. — Ryan Ori

3:40 p.m.: NCAA Tournament will be played without fans this year

The NCAA Tournament for both men and women will be played without fans this year.

NCAA president Mark Emmert said in a statement: “I have made the decision to conduct our upcoming championship events, including the Div. I men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, with only essential staff and limited family attendance.” Read more here.


2:58 p.m.: Dundee-Crown High School to be closed Thursday and Friday after student exposed to someone with coronavirus

Dundee-Crown High School will be closed Thursday and Friday after School District 300 officials learned one of the Carpenterville school’s students was exposed to coronavirus.

Superintendent Fred Heid, in a letter sent to parents, said he was told of the situation Wednesday morning by the Kane County Health Department. Read more here. — Rafael Guerrero

2:40 p.m.: 6 new cases of coronavirus announced in Illinois

Illinois officials on Wednesday announced six new cases of the coronavirus, pushing the total number in the state to 25.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said state officials are examining new guidance on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to limit large gatherings of more than 250 people. Read more here. — Dan Petrella

2:35 p.m.: Illinois General Assembly cancels session days in Springfield next week

The Illinois General Assembly has cancelled session days next week to limit potential exposure to and spread of the coronavirus, officials announced Wednesday.

“When the state association for emergency doctors cancels its Capitol visit citing public health concerns, it should give us all reason to re-examine our schedules and priorities,” Senate President Don Harmon said in a statement. “Given the recommendations for social distancing as a safeguard to slow the spread of this virus, the Illinois Senate is going to do its part.”

Both the House and Senate had been scheduled to be in session Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, March 20. The General Assembly is not in session this week.

As for decisions about holding session beyond next week, Steve Brown, spokesman for House Speaker Michael Madigan, said “We’ll see how this situation develops,” and go from there. — Jamie Munks

2:05 p.m.: Naperville mayor postpones state of the city address

Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico’s state of the city address has been postponed until May 18, according to the city spokeswoman.

Chirico was scheduled to give the annual address Monday at the Marriott Naperville on Naper Boulevard.

The state of the city address usually draws 500 people, said Linda LaCloche, spokeswoman for the city of Naperville.

“It’s a large event held in an enclosed room,” LaCloche said. “We’re just being cautious and in the interest of community and public health, we’re taking the recommendation of the CDC to do social distancing.” — Erin Hegarty

1:55 p.m.: Illinois to get $17.4 million from federal government as part of emergency coronavirus bill

As part of an $8.3 billion federal emergency spending bill signed by President Donald Trump on Friday, Illinois is getting $17.4 million in direct federal grants to fight COVID-19, according to a news release from the Department of Health and Human Services.

The “CDC is contacting State Health Officers to move forward with awarding over $560 million to states, localities, territories, and tribes,” according to the release.

The release only said that the funds are to support local authorities’ ability to “implement critical steps,” according to the release. — Liam Ford

1:30 p.m.: Coronavirus case confirmed at Prudential Plaza

A worker in one of Chicago’s largest office complexes has tested positive for the new coronavirus, causing companies there and in nearby buildings to take measures to prevent the illness from spreading.

Tenants in Prudential Plaza and other buildings near Millennium Park have been told an employee at an unidentified company in the two-tower Prudential complex on Tuesday tested positive for COVID-19. Since being diagnosed, the worker has not returned to the property, according to building owner Sterling Bay. Read more here. — Ryan Ori

1:15 p.m.: No in-person classes at Notre Dame at least until April 13

The University of Notre Dame Wednesday canceled all in-person classes on campus through at least April 13, to try to minimize the potential spread of coronavirus.

There are no known cases of COVID-19 on campus, officials said, but probability remains high that it will spread to the region.

The school, located in South Bend, Indiana, is on spring break, with no classes this week. All classes will be canceled next week starting Monday, both in-person and online, to give time to transition to on-line learning starting March 23.

Students are “strongly encouraged” to stay at home or go home rather than return to campus. Undergraduate residence halls will be open only to students who receive approval to remain on campus.

Notre Dame asked organizers of university-sponsored events to avoid gatherings of large numbers of people. The school will "monitor" sports events and make decisions in consultation with public health and Atlantic Coast Conference officials.

University President the Rev. John Jenkins also suspended all study-abroad programs and called home students, faculty, staff as soon as possible.

The university will remain open in the meantime. Jenkins will evaluate by April 3 whether to resume in-person classes after April 13. — Robert McCoppin

1:10 p.m.: Lightfoot says professional sports games will continue as usual in Chicago — for now

Professional sports games will continue as usual in Chicago, at least for the time being.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she spoke Wednesday with “all the major sports teams” in Chicago. With opening day games coming up for the Cubs and White Sox, Lightfoot said she’s talking to team officials, but they’re “not there yet” on restricting access, even as soccer games in Italy are being held in empty stadiums because of the virus.

“We’re mindful of the fact that the Fire (home opener) is on March 21st, and that opening day for the two sports teams, obviously the Blackhawks and the Bulls are playing,” Lightfoot said. “This is something that we are in conversation with them about. And we’re looking, and as the situation evolves we will be continuing those discussions on an ongoing basis. But we’re not there yet.”

On Wednesday, San Francisco’s mayor banned all gatherings of more than 1,000 people in the city, including Golden State Warriors NBA games. And in Washington state, Gov. Jay Inslee banned public gatherings of more than 250 people, including Seattle Mariners baseball games. — John Byrne


12:50 p.m.: Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx cancels election night rally

Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx is canceling her election night watch night party, and instead plans to host a press conference with her campaign staff only.

Foxx also was planning a rally with African American women supporters and that is being canceled, she said.

The campaign still plans to participate in a debate at WTTW on Thursday night, but is still considering decisions regarding other appearances. The campaign didn’t want to encourage any large-scale gatherings in the face of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

“We’re trying to be as cautious as possible,” Foxx spokeswoman Claudia Tristan said. “We have to be aware and adhere to what public health officials are suggesting for public safety.” — Lolly Bowean

12:35 p.m.: How the coronavirus could affect the 2020 Census in Illinois

The 2020 Census will be available for Illinois residents to fill out online beginning Thursday, and with the disruptions caused by coronavirus, officials will prioritize informing residents that they can complete the census by phone or by mail, as well as online.

“I think potentially that’s an even more important message today more than ever, is that there is an opportunity to do it on your own,” Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary Grace Hou said Wednesday at a news conference in Springfield.

In past census years, census takers have been sent to retirement communities and nursing homes to ensure a complete count of residents. Hou did not directly say how the coronavirus will affect that work, but said the agency will continue to work with the U.S. Census Bureau and the Illinois Department of Public Health to ensure the safety of census takers and those being counted.

Those who wish to complete the census through any platform can text questions in English or Spanish to 987987.

The census includes nine questions and will be available tomorrow at my2020census.gov. Illinois residents will receive four reminders to complete the census between March 12 and April 27 — the first of which being a mailed postcard. Residents will only receive a paper questionnaire with their fourth reminder. — Antonia Ayres-Brown

11:40 a.m.: WHO declares coronavirus outbreak is now a pandemic

Expressing increasing alarm about mounting infections, the World Health Organization declared Wednesday that the global coronavirus crisis is now a pandemic. Read more here. — Associated Press

11:30 a.m.: Labor unions and faith leaders chant: ‘What do we need? Fifteen sick days. When do we need it? Now’

A coalition of labor unions, faith leaders, government officials and politicians held what they called "the press conference of the people” on the second floor of Chicago City Hall Wednesday morning, pushing for paid sick leave policies across the country for those affected by the coronavirus, especially lower-wage workers.

“What do we need? Fifteen sick days. When do we need it? Now,” they chanted.

Speakers encouraged workers to advocate for themselves, reminding them of their rights and urging them to contact Chicago’s Office of Labor Standards if employers deny paid sick days.

Chicago Teachers Union Chief of Staff Jennifer Johnson spoke of the case at Vaughn Occupational High School, where a classroom assistant was hospitalized with the coronavirus. Johnson wished the aide a speedy recovery while noting that students there are “medically vulnerable.”

The aide “worked while symptomatic,” officials have said, but there have been no other new cases yet linked to school.

The teachers union has been in communication with top CPS officials and the parties are working together to protect the school community, she said. “We are committed to being a partner in this process," Johnson said, adding they hope for a similarly collaborative relationship moving forward.

The new union contract mandates a nurse in every school every day, a requirement that will be phased in over several more years. But Johnson said the nurses that CPS does have are already collaborating. The union has also been pressing CPS to get workers adequate supplies.

“It’s clear that our calls for a safe, clean school environment were righteous,” Johnson said.

The CTU has taken the step of canceling upcoming delegate training, along with other large gatherings. “We need to be proactive and cautious."

CPS has said employees quarantined or ill with the coronavirus will continue to receive pay during that time. “This should be the case for everyone affected by this crisis,” she said.

Elected leaders, including 33rd Ward Ald. Rossana Rodriguez and Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson, said they were ready to push for 15 days of paid sick leave in the City County and the Cook County Board of Commissioners, at least with respect to people infected or quarantined by the coronavirus.

“We are facing an emergency situation and this is a time to make sure we are covering the needs of all people,” Rodriguez said.

Johnson said 15 days "is the least you can do ... when you have countries that are forgiving mortgages right now.”

Service Employees International Union’s Greg Kelly said its members work on the front lines of healthcare delivery but are among the lowest paid workers in the industry and many lack reliable, sufficient time off.

“The workers who work every day and take care of our most vulnerable citizens need to be cared for as well,” he said.

SEIU Local 73 President Dian Palmer said the union represents 30,000 public sector workers whose employers should not put them or the public at risk.

“Choosing between staying home and risking spreading this virus" should not depend on whether a worker can afford to, she said. — Hannah Leone

11:15 a.m.: Chicago relocates some polling places because of coronavirus

The Chicago Board of Elections is working to relocate 25 precinct polling places across 14 wards ahead of Tuesday’s primary. This includes some sites at area nursing homes which will be moved due to growing concern surrounding the coronavirus, but not all the polling places are being moved because of the virus, officials said.

Voter may not know their new polling place until closer to election day, Elections Commissioner Marisel Hernandez said.

Chicago election officials urged residents to early vote to avoid any potential problems on Election Day.


As of Tuesday, 63,419 people had early voted in Chicago and 9,604 voted on Tuesday alone. There have been more than 90,000 applications for mail-in ballots, with 14,364 received as of Tuesday. The city is on track to triple voting by mail from 2016, but officials didn’t mention coronavirus as contributing to that surge.

Vote by mail is still option, but those interested must act quickly. Applications for Vote by mail close at 5 p.m. and the Chicago Board of Elections does not plan to change that deadline. — Sophie Sherry

11:12 a.m.: Lake County hospital treating patient with coronavirus

A Lake County hospital was treating a patient with coronavirus, the county health department reported.

The patient, who is not a resident of Lake County, has been stabilized and being treated in isolation, according to the update. As of Tuesday, no Lake County residents had tested positive for the virus.

While Chicago has postponed its St. Patrick’s Day parades scheduled for this weekend, Lake County’s only St. Patrick’s day parade — scheduled for Saturday at noon in downtown Lake Villa — is moving ahead, said Lake Villa Village Administrator Karl Warwick. Read more here. — Emily K. Coleman

11 a.m.: Naperville cancels St. Patrick’s Day Parade and 5K run

The city of Naperville on Wednesday morning announced that it was canceling its St. Patrick’s Day parade that was scheduled for Saturday.

The move was being taken “out of an abundance of caution for the health of our community and to eliminate unnecessary risk for the public,” according to a statement from the city. A 5K run also was canceled.

The city was working with organizers to find a possible date to hold these events in the future. Read more here. — John Hector

10: 44 a.m.: NorthShore University HealthSystem treating hospital group’s first case of COVID-19

A patient who has tested positive for COVID-19 is being treated at one of NorthShore University HealthSystem’s five hospitals, officials confirmed Wednesday.

Hospital system employees were notified by email Wednesday morning of the patient’s presence. When asked for comment, a spokesman declined to say at which of the system’s hospitals the patient was being treated. NorthShore owns Evanston Hospital, Glenbrook Hospital, Highland Park Hospital, Skokie Hospital and Swedish Hospital in Chicago.

In a prepared statement, the hospital said they are working closely with public health officials.

“We have assembled a cross-functional team, including clinical, administrative and operational leaders. This team meets daily and reviews the systems, supplies, people, and communication aspects to inform our readiness, planning and activities,” the statement reads. “We continue to work diligently to provide all of our patients, visitors, staff and the communities we serve with safe and effective care.”Hospitals officials declined to give the medical condition of the patient, but described the person as being stabilized.

It was not immediately known if the patient is one of the 19 confirmed cases already reported by Illinois officials. Read more here. — Genevieve Bookwalter

10:36 a.m.: Indiana reports 4 new cases of COVID-19, bringing total to 10

Four more people in Indiana have been sickened by the coronavirus, boosting the state's tally to 10 cases, with three of the new cases in the same suburban Indianapolis county, health officials said Wednesday.

Johnson County, just south of Indianapolis, has three presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 — the disease caused by the virus — and north-central Indiana’s Howard County has one, the state Department of Health said. Read more here.

10:30 a.m.: Cook County Jail screening inmates as Illinois Department of Corrections screens visitors

The Cook County sheriff’s office is screening detainees at the Cook County Jail for flu-like symptoms and is stepping up work to stave off the coronavirus. the office said Wednesday.

“Our staff have enhanced cleaning and disinfecting efforts at the jail, including disinfecting transport vehicles and holding areas after each use,” Sophia Ansari, a spokeswoman for Sheriff Tom Dart said in a statement. “Jail and Cermak staff have handled flu outbreaks in the past and are prepared in the event COVID-19 cases arise, including quarantining detainees showing symptoms of the virus.”

The jail’s health services have been screening detainees since Jan. 24, the statement said. As of Tuesday night the office was reporting no known cases of coronavirus at the jail, which is the country’s largest single-site pretrial detention center, routinely housing thousands.

There were no reported changes in visitation, and other programming was continuing as normal, Ansari said.

“We are monitoring reports of the virus and are reminding staff and visitors to wash their hands, stay at home if they are sick, and avoid contact with individuals who are ill,” her statement said.

Meanwhile, the Illinois Department of Corrections is screening visitors at prisons across the state for possible signs of the coronavirus or potential exposure.

“People who are experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus, or who may have been exposed to the illness, may not be permitted to visit an IDOC correctional facility,” spokeswoman Lindsey Hess said in an emailed statement. “The department is working closely with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to ensure the health of people in custody and our staff.” — Megan Crepeau and Dan Petrella

9:20 a.m.: City says it’s postponing South, Northwest side and downtown parades; no date scheduled

Mayor Lori Lightfoot officially announced the cancellation of Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day parades in a news conference Wednesday morning.


The “City will postpone this weekend’s St. Patrick’s Day parades as a precautionary measure to prevent further spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19),” the city said in a news conference. “The City will continue working with organizers from Chicago’s downtown, South Side, and Northwest Side parades, as well as the annual Dyeing of the Chicago River to reschedule these events to a later date and ensure the health and safety of Chicago’s residents and visitors.”

With large, tightly packed crowds, officials said events like the parades make it hard for people to keep far enough away from others to minimize the spread of infection. Read more here.

8:55 a.m.: Mayor cancels South Side, downtown St. Patrick’s Day parades

Mayor Lori Lightfoot has canceled the city’s massive St. Patrick’s Day parades because of fears the disease would spread through the dense crowds, according to officials, confirming earlier information from the downtown parade’s website.

The mayor made her decision after days of speculation as other cities from Boston to Dublin dropped their festivities for the holiday. Lightfoot called off Saturday’s downtown parade and Sunday’s South Side Irish parade just days before they were set to step off. Read more here.

8:20 a.m.: Chicago St. Patrick’s Parade canceled

The Chicago downtown St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been canceled, according to the parade’s website. The website sent users to the city’s COVID-19 website.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot had a morning news conference on a coronavirus topic scheduled. Watch the livestream here.

7:10 a.m.: Officials set coronavirus-related news conferences, including on schools, voting

The Chicago Board of Election Commissioners was set to hold a news conference midday Wednesday to discuss next week’s Illinois primary election in light of the spread of COVID-19. Meanwhile, the Chicago Teachers Union was expected to hold a morning news conference at City Hall about the Chicago Public Schools’ response to coronavirus. And state officials were expected to update total numbers and other information in an afternoon news conference.

5 a.m. Wednesday: Nursing homes respond to coronavirus

After the coronavirus outbreak in a nursing home in Washington state that so far has killed at least 19 people, Illinois facilities that cater to susceptible populations are preparing for the possible spread of the disease by beefing up their rules and health screenings, according to state and nursing facility officials.

State health officials have begun talking with nursing homes about instituting screening for employees before they start each shift, to look for signs of the virus and tightening restrictions on visitors, Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health said at a news conference Monday. State health officials have restricted access to nursing homes in the Chicago area to one adult visitor each day through March 18 for each end-of-life resident or resident with dementia, with visitors to be screened for illness. Read more here.

Your coronavirus questions What are your thoughts, questions or concerns about how the coronavirus affects you? Are there any questions we can help answer? Send your questions here.

Tuesday, March 10

Here’s a recap of coronavirus updates in the Chicago area and Illinois from Tuesday:

Monday, March 9