Thursday live coronavirus updates: Another lawmaker to challenge stay-at-home order
State rep to file lawsuit challenging Pritzker’s order
A Republican lawmaker from northern Illinois said Tuesday he will file a lawsuit against Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order. But this suit will be different than the challenge filed by another state representative, according to media reports.
Rep. John Cabello, R-Machesney Park, told reporters his lawsuit would apply to every resident, not just him, according to The Rock River Times.
A judge on Monday ruled in favor of state Rep. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, who had filed a lawsuit last week contending Pritzker does not have the authority to extend an executive order beyond 30 days. However, the judge’s ruling released only Bailey from stay-at-home restrictions.
Pritzker, a Democrat, repeated on Tuesday at his daily news briefing his assertion that Bailey’s actions were political and detrimental to progress the state has made in slowing the spread of coronavirus.
City of St. Louis won’t open with rest of Missouri
The city of St. Louis will remain under a stay-at-home order after May 4, which is the reopening date for the rest of Missouri, according to a press release from Mayor Lyda Krewson’s office on Thursday.
Her order supersedes the “Show Me Strong Recovery Plan” announced by Missouri Gov. Mike Parson.
“It’s just not safe right now to begin to reopen the City of St. Louis,” Krewson stated. “We need to see at least 14 days of sustained decrease in the number of new COVID-19 cases before we can consider reopening. By moving that process too quickly, we could put our family members and neighbors at risk for contracting the virus. I understand many of you wish to return to work and your normal lives, but we must remain vigilant to continue to slow the spread.”
Executive Order No. 7, the city’s current stay-at-home order, will remain in effect until Director of Health Dr. Fredrick Echols determines the threat of increased COVID-19 spread has diminished, according to the release. Only businesses deemed essential may remain open.
Residents are asked to report violations to the Citizens’ Service Bureau at 314-622-4800.
Enterprise lays off more than 2,000 amid coronavirus crisis
One of St. Louis’ biggest employers announced it would lay off more than 2,000 employees in the region.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Enterprise Holding made the decision after the coronavirus lockdown, which the company expected to last only a month, was extended again.
Layoffs will affect employees from across the company. All hiring has been paused, part-time staff has been reduced and senior executive and other employees are getting “adjusted pay,” according to the Post-Dispatch.
East St. Louis youth center to become testing site
St. Clair County Chairman Mark Kern tweeted Thursday that the state of Illinois is helping to open a COVID-19 testing site at the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center in East St. Louis.
Kern promised more details on Friday.
“One bright spot is more #COVID19 testing is coming,” the tweet read. “We hope to report on that tomorrow. Today, Herb Simmons and I were at the JJK Center in East St. Louis as the State is helping set up a testing site there. More details coming soon.”
Simmons is director of St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency.
Human Services provides $20 million for telehealth services
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $20 million to increase telehealth access and infrastructure for providers and families to help prevent and respond to COVID-19, according to a press release Thursday.
It will be used to increase capability, capacity and access to telehealth and distant care services for providers, pregnant women, children, adolescents and families, and will assist telehealth providers with cross-state licensure to improve access to health care during the pandemic.
“This new funding will help expand telehealth infrastructure that is already being used during the pandemic to provide essential care, especially to the most vulnerable, including pregnant women and children with special health care needs,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar.
Durbin wants more protections for meat-processing workers
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin told members of the United Food and Commercial Workers union on Thursday that President Donald Trump’s executive order to keep meat-processing plants operating ignores the recommendations of public health experts, according to a press release.
Durbin, an Illinois Democrat and member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, met with union members in Springfield. He also discussed his support for more personal protective equipment and coronavirus testing for plant workers, as well as hazard pay and paid sick leave.
“President Trump’s executive order to require meat and poultry producers to continue operations ignores the health and safety realities of this pandemic,” Durbin said. “While talking with UFCW leadership and its members today, I assured them I would fight to protect their health and safety as they risk their lives, working shoulder to shoulder, on meat-processing lines in Illinois and across the country.”
Republican congressmen ask Pritzker for “phased reopening”
U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis, Adam Kinzinger, John Shimkus, Darin LaHood and Mike Bost have sent a letter to Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, urging him to adopt a plan to begin a phased reopening of businesses critical to the state’s economy.
The congressman heard from “concerned constituents” after the governor extended his stay-at-home order through May 30, according to a press release emailed Thursday.
“Illinois is a diverse state and the coronavirus has impacted communities in different ways,” the letter stated. “As we work to start the phased reopening here at home, we cannot do so with a blanket, one-size-fits-all plan. Sadly, this week marked the deadliest day Illinois has faced with the coronavirus since the pandemic began, and yet we still have several counties reporting zero cases of COVID-19.
“As we continue to face rising numbers of coronavirus in certain areas, we need to continue getting the necessary resources to aid those areas. But we also need to recognize that areas without any cases of the virus need to be treated differently.
“We’re urging Governor Pritzker to take a regional approach by starting the reopening process in low-risk areas. With improved and increased testing, and an emergency response plan in place should an outbreak occur, the Governor should move forward on allowing Illinoisans the opportunity to make informed decisions on how they can safely return to work.”
Eureka mayor says city will open, ignore county stay-at-home order
The mayor of a city in St. Louis County says his city will disregard the county order to remain closed and reopen Monday, May 4, with the rest of Missouri.
Eureka will be the first city in St. Louis County to reopen, ignoring St. Louis County Executive Sam Page’s indefinite extension of the countywide stay-at-home order. The city’s mayor, Sean Flower, wrote a letter to residents saying the city will need to learn to “deal with the virus” while reopening.
Flower’s decision followed Missouri Gov. Mike Parson’s announcement last week that he would allow businesses to open Monday.
Utility bill assistance being offered for Ameren Illinois customers
Ameren Illinois customers having trouble paying their utility bill can now apply for assistance through an Illinois program.
The energy provider is encouraging customers who are struggling to apply for help through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federal program that provides utility bill assistance to people who meet income guidelines.
Additional funding for the program was made available through the federal CARES Act passed by Congress earlier this month.
Applications are being accepted through June 30, and funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information, including application, visit IllinoisLIHEAP.com or call 877-411-9276.
Baking mix plant in Steeleville to close for two weeks
A baking mix plant in Steelville will close for two weeks starting Friday in an effort to help stunt the spread of COVID-19 in Randolph County.
The Herald-Tribune reported Wednesday Gilster Mary-Lee’s baking mix plant is expecting to close after furloughing almost half of its 400 employees Monday.
Some workers will continue to work to make breading for Chick-fil-A nationwide.
The company shuttered its Chester plant for two weeks on April 18 after four cases were discovered. Last week, the president and chief executive officer of the corporation, Don Welge, died of complications from COVID-19, according to The Southern.
Hospitals say don’t let virus worries prevent an ER trip
Hospitals in southwestern Illinois are reminding residents who feel sick that they should not hesitate to go to the emergency room because of coronavirus concerns.
“Delaying medical care in an emergency can have irreversible consequences — all BJC HealthCare emergency departments are open, safe and equipped to help. Do not forgo needed care in fear of COVID-19,” Memorial Hospital in Belleville said in a Facebook post.
St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon echoed this warning.
“A recent report from the American College of Emergency Physicians states some emergency departments across the country are seeing a reduction in patient volumes, as well as patients delaying seeking medical care for non-COVID-19 related emergencies – potentially due to patients being concerned about contracting COVID-19 during a hospital visit or overwhelming health care workers,” St. Elizabeth’s Hospital said in a news release.
“We urge our community members to never forgo or delay seeking medical care for any type of emergency, even in the midst of a pandemic,” Dr. Jeff Shafer, emergency medicine physician and director of St. Elizabeth’s emergency department and EMS, said in the news release.
Here are warning signs issued by the American College of Emergency Physicians:
Bleeding that will not stop
Breathing problems (difficulty breathing, shortness of breath)
Change in mental status (such as unusual behavior, confusion, difficulty arousing)
Chest pain
Choking
Coughing up blood or vomiting blood
Fainting or loss of consciousness
Feeling suicidal or feeling homicidal
Head or spine injury
Severe or persistent vomiting
Injury due to a serious motor vehicle accident, burns or smoke inhalation, near drowning, deep or large wound or other serious injuries
Sudden, severe pain anywhere in the body
Sudden dizziness, sudden muscle or general weakness, sudden change in vision
Ingestion of a poisonous substance
Severe abdominal pain or pressure
St. Charles County to lift restrictions Monday
The leader of St. Charles County said businesses can follow Missouri Gov. Mike Parson’s announcement that coronavirus restrictions on businesses and religious services will be reduced beginning Monday.
“The rate of COVID-19 cases per 10,000 population is less than half that of St. Louis city and county,” St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann said in a news release on Tuesday. “We believe St. Charles County is ready to reduce restrictions and, while continuing to require social distancing, allow individuals to make decisions on whether to frequent a business.”
St. Louis County and city have not said when they will loosen their stay-at-home orders.
St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson tweeted Tuesday that the city will not lift her stay-at-home order on Monday.
“We need the capacity to test way more people than we’re able to right now,” she said on Twitter.
“We’re working extremely hard on all of these things -- so we can begin to talk about slowly reopening our local economy and relaxing our #SocialDistancing restrictions.”
The stay-at-home order in Illinois remains in effect until May 31.
St. Louis County reopens some parks
Over 20 St. Louis County, Missouri, parks reopened Tuesday after being closed as part of coronavirus restrictions. The county said several parks remain closed.
Creve Coeur, Lone Elk and Queeny parks are three of the larger parks allowed to reopen.
“Most loop trails will be converted into ‘one-way’ trails. All other trails will remain two directional,” the parks department said in a statement.
“Park restrooms, dog park, indoor facilities, sports courts, shelters, exercise stations, playgrounds, skate parks and the Creve Coeur Park Soccer Complex are closed.”
Southwestern Illinois coronavirus cases
Here’s a breakdown of the 1,166 COVID-19 cases in southwestern Illinois as of Thursday afternoon. These numbers are updated by 4 p.m. daily at BND.com.
- St. Clair: 482 positives, 37 deaths, 2,080 tests administered, 50 tests pending
- Madison: 334 positives, 21 deaths, 75 hospitalizations, 98 recoveries
- Monroe: 69 positives, 10 deaths
- Clinton: 106 positives, four deaths, 454 tests administered, 19 recoveries
- Bond: Five positives, one death, 109 tests administered, nine tests pending, three recoveries
- Washington: 10 positives, seven recoveries
- Randolph: 104 positives, one death, five hospitalizations, 53 recoveries
- Jersey: 12 positives, one death, seven recoveries
- Macoupin: 30 positives, 593 tests administered, 24 tests pending, 21 recoveries
- Calhoun: One positive, one recovery
- Perry: 13 positives
Companies donate face shields to police officers
Two Sauget business owners have donated multiple face shield masks for law enforcement throughout the metro-east during the coronavirus pandemic.
Cahokia Police Capt. Dennis Plew said the two businessmen behind the donations are Bryan Speight, president and CEO of Midwest Nonwovens, and Jeff Jernigan, owner of Boxing It Up.
They along with St. Louis-based inx Medical collaborated to provide 300 “very much needed personal protection equipment face shields for law enforcement agencies throughout the metro-east area,” Plew said.
Sauget Police Chief James Jones, Plew and Illinois State Police Lt. Michael Lewis accepted the face mask donations and distributed them to police officers East St. Louis, Brooklyn, Washington Park, Sauget and Cahokia.
Boxing It Up Is sourcing and supplying parts and Midwest Nonwovens is assembling them in its 80,000-square-foot Sauget facility.
Postponed and canceled events
The News-Democrat has compiled a list of events in Illinois and St. Louis that have been canceled due to concerns about coronavirus.
You can find the list at BND.com.
Want to help? Here’s what you need to know
The BND has compiled a list of ways you can help during the coronavirus pandemic.
Go to BND. com to learn about the opportunities to volunteer your time or donate to help communities in the metro-east without putting yourself or others at risk.
You can sew face masks, read stories for people with vision loss and deliver meals to seniors.
If you know of a recognized charitable organization looking for help that isn’t listed, please tell us about it; send an email to newsroom@bnd.com or fill out the BND’s Southwest Illinois coronavirus service and assistance guide online at BND.com.
Get the latest news on coronavirus
BND.com will keep you updated through the day with information about the spread of coronavirus through southwestern Illinois.
You can also find the most complete and up-to-date information from government sites including:
- State of Illinois’ coronavirus page: coronavirus.illinois.gov
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/summary.html
- Federal government’s coronavirus page: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
How to contact the BND with tips, concerns
If you have suggestions about something for the BND to cover regarding the coronavirus pandemic or if you see a report that sounds suspicious on social media or anywhere else, please drop us a note at newsroom@bnd.com and include a link. We’ll check it out.
If you’re a health-care worker, we’d like to hear from you
The BND would like to speak with nurses, doctors and other health care professionals who are on the front lines caring for patients in doctor’s offices, clinics and hospitals during this difficult time. We’re interested in hearing about your challenges and rewards, frustrations and accomplishments. How is this affecting you? Send us an email at newsroom@bnd.com.
Recovering from COVID-19? The BND would like to talk to you
Have you recovered from coronavirus or are you in the process of recovering from COVID-19? We would like to hear from you on how you dealt with the respiratory disease. Send us an email at newsroom@bnd.com.
This story was originally published April 30, 2020 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Thursday live coronavirus updates: Another lawmaker to challenge stay-at-home order."
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