Illinois has been hard at work taking measures to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus. Unemployment claims have also taken a priority as the volume of claims increased by as much as 12 fold.
On March 9th, Governor Pritzker issued a Disaster Proclamation to begin the steps necessary for containment. March 11, visitors were restricted from nursing homes, March 16th, bars and restaurants were closed for on-site dining, March 17th all school classes moved online and on March 21st the stay at home order was issued. All these steps were issued over the course of 12 days.
However, with 147,865 confirmed cases and 7,026 deaths, these numbers are far from being the worst amongst other states.
Due to the effective measures in place, Covid cases are showing a steady decline in the rate of infection.
To restore Illinois and it’s economy, a 5-phase plan is in effect. You can find a link to that here.
Due to the effective measures in place, Covid cases are showing a steady decline in the rate of infection.
On June 22 , it was announced that the next phase of the plan would go into effect, Phase 4. With some locations still on hold, such as beaches and pools.
Lori Lightfoot, Mayor of Chicago, explains that "they are ripe for congregate gathering and not social distancing."
We will have to see if the numbers continuously taper off as the restrictions are slowly lifted.
Additional Information and Resources
https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
How to Prevent Getting Sick (CDC)