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Confidential data shows many Illinois coronavirus outbreaks have been undisclosed: report

October 12, 2020

Outbreaks of coronavirus in schools, workplaces and other facilities are driving the surge of new COVID-19 cases in Illinois, some of which have not been publicly identified, according to a new study.

The study from journalists at the Brown Institute for Media Innovation and the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting published in USA Today indicates that individual clusters of coronavirus infections are primarily responsible for the latest wave of new COVID-19 cases vexing public health officials in the state, with several outbreaks occurring at correctional facilities and a major military base.

The second-largest outbreak identified by the study, which until now has not been reported to news organizations, is occurring at the Great Lakes Naval Base in Lake County, Ill., where 228 new cases of COVID-19 have been identified over the past month according to confidential data recorded by Illinois officials and obtained by the study.

The number of cases

Confidential coronavirus data shows undisclosed outbreaks in Illinois

October 12, 2020

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Confidential statewide coronavirus outbreak data shows workplace, school and prison outbreaks are driving the increases — and that many of these outbreaks have never been made public. (Photo: wellesenterprises / Getty Images)

Like many Midwestern states, Illinois has struggled with rising coronavirus cases and death counts recently, surpassing 300,000 confirmed cases this month and recording its highest daily death count since late June on Friday.

Public health officials issued a “warning list” for 28 Illinois counties at risk for coronavirus surges and blamed, in part, businesses who were “blatantly disregarding mitigation measures, people not social distancing, gathering in large groups and not using face coverings.”

Now, confidential statewide coronavirus outbreak data, obtained by the Documenting COVID-19 project at the Brown Institute for Media Innovation as part of a collaboration with the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting, shows workplace, school and prison outbreaks are driving the increases — and that

Noncitizen immigrants to get health coverage in Illinois

October 10, 2020

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CHICAGO (AP) — Low-income immigrants ages 65 and older in Illinois will be eligible for health care coverage that is similar to Medicaid despite their immigration status.

Ananias Ocampo, who is at high risk of contracting the virus because of his age and health, does not qualify for Medicare, Social Security, or any other federal assistance because of his immigration status. But the 76-year-old will be able to apply for the program in December. The expansion was part of the state budget passed this year, the Chicago Tribune reported.

“At least now I can be at peace knowing that if I get sick, I can go see a good doctor that can help me heal without having to worry about not having the money to pay for the treatment,” Ocampo, who has diabetes, said in Spanish.

Hayley Burgess of the National Immigration Law Center said Illinois is the first state

Coronavirus in Illinois updates: Here’s what happened Oct. 7 with COVID-19 in the Chicago area

October 10, 2020

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Officials reported 58,820 new tests in the last 24 hours, as the state surpasses 6 million total COVID-19 tests. The seven-day statewide positivity rate is 3.5%.

The new statewide numbers come as Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Wednesday that the gains that most regions in Illinois had been making in bringing down COVID-19 positivity rates in recent weeks have “cooled off a bit.” The governor noted specifically that the northeastern region that includes Lake and McHenry counties has seen a reversal after a period of decline.

“That progress has cooled off a bit, across Illinois,” Pritzker said. “We are seeing changes in positivity averages around the state level off, with three regions that were decreasing last week now sitting at a stable level.”

Here’s what’s happening Wednesday with COVID-19 in the Chicago area and Illinois:

7:15 p.m.: CPS says clerks must report to work in person, despite labor ruling that questions

Illinois reports first West Nile virus death of the year in Chicago resident

October 9, 2020

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A Chicago resident died of the mosquito-borne West Nile virus. The death marks the first West Nile virus-related fatality in the state this year, Illinois health officials announced this week.

The resident, who was not identified, first fell ill in mid-September and subsequently tested positive for the disease, officials with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) said in a news release.

“Although we are already into fall, West Nile virus remains a risk until the first hard frost,” IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said in a statement. “It’s important for everyone to continue taking precautions such as using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeve shirts and pants, and staying indoors between dusk and dawn.”

West Nile virus, which was first reported in the U.S. in 1999, is typically spread by infected mosquitoes. Though side effects can be severe, most people who are infected experience little to no symptoms and fully recover.

COVID-19 in Illinois updates: Here’s what’s happening Thursday

October 9, 2020

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The daily number of new known coronavirus cases announced by Illinois officials on Thursday was the highest in nearly five months, except for a day in early September when the state caught up on a testing backlog.

The 3,059 new known cases represents the first time the daily count has topped 3,000 since May 14, when the Illinois Department of Public Health reported 3,239 cases. The department reported 5,368 new cases on Sept. 4, but that was due to a backlog in processing test results.

In addition to the newly confirmed cases, which bring the total number known infections to 310,700 statewide since the pandemic began, officials on Thursday reported 32 more fatalities. That brings the death toll to 8,910. Officials also reported 72,491 new tests in the last 24 hours. The seven-day statewide positivity rate is 3.7%.

The new numbers come as Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Wednesday that the

Illinois attorney sends ‘cease and desist’ letter to Winnebago Co. Health Dept. on behalf of three local restaurants

October 8, 2020

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ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Nick Fosberg owns Fozzy’s Bar and Grill which joined Casey’s Pub and Nora’s Place on a cease and desist letter sent to Winnebago County Public Health Administrator Dr. Sandra Martell fighting recent measures by the health department to stop indoor dining.

“People aren’t going to sit outside in 40-45 degree weather it’s either I lose my business now or I fight this and we see what happens and I lose it later on,” said Fosberg.

Illinois attorney Thomas DeVore represents the owners. In his letter he says the health department is trying to intimidate his clients.

“Sometimes we have department of health officials not many, but some like Dr. Martell who for whatever reason personal, political, or otherwise find it necessary to go out here and try to enforce something that can’t be enforced by anyone,” said DeVore.

Doctor Martell responds saying:

“It is extremely disappointing

Ambetter Health Insurance Remains Committed to Illinois Community

October 5, 2020

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CHICAGO, Oct. 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — For the next open enrollment period beginning on November 1, 2020, Ambetter Health Insurance will be offered in Illinois under a new name on the Health Insurance Marketplace – Ambetter of Illinois Insured by Celtic Insurance Company (“Ambetter of Illinois” or “Ambetter”). The health insurance plan has previously been available as Ambetter from IlliniCare Health.

“Although we’re changing our name, our members’ health coverage is still the same, and they can expect the same personalized service and benefits we’ve delivered for years,” said James Kiamos, Meridian Plan President and CEO for Illinois. “Ambetter of Illinois remains committed to transforming the health of the community, one person at a time, and we look forward to further empowering our communities to take charge of their health.”

Illinois residents will begin to see Ambetter of Illinois replace the old brand name

Older people will soon receive health coverage in Illinois regardless of immigration status under first-in-nation program: ‘It’s a relief’

October 5, 2020

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When Ananias Ocampo, 76, learned that in December he’ll finally have access to health care coverage even though he lacks legal immigration status, he smiled and managed to get up from the chair next to his ice cream cart despite his trembling and extreme knee pain because of arthritis.

a person standing in front of a store: Ananias Ocampo, 76, pushes his cart along 18th Street to Paulina Street to sell ice cream in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood on Sept. 25, 2020. Ocampo has arthritis, diabetes and osteoarthritis.

© Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune/TNS
Ananias Ocampo, 76, pushes his cart along 18th Street to Paulina Street to sell ice cream in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood on Sept. 25, 2020. Ocampo has arthritis, diabetes and osteoarthritis.

Paletero Ananias Ocampo, 76, left, sells ice cream to Ray Hernandez near 18th and Paulina streets in Chicago on Sept. 25, 2020. Ocampo suffers from severe arthritis, diabetes and osteoarthritis.

© Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune/TNS
Paletero Ananias Ocampo, 76, left, sells ice cream to Ray Hernandez near 18th and Paulina streets in Chicago on Sept. 25, 2020. Ocampo suffers from severe arthritis, diabetes and osteoarthritis.

He could not believe it.

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“Enserio, no lo puedo creer, que alivio!” cried out Ocampo while selling ice cream on the corner of 18th and

Illinois health officials report 2,442 new cases of COVID-19, 31 deaths

October 3, 2020

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CHICAGO — The Illinois Department of Public Health on Saturday reported 2,442 new cases of COVID-19 in the state, including 31 additional confirmed deaths.

The deaths were reported in the following counties:

Christian County: 1 male 80s
Cook County: 1 male 40s, 1 female 50s, 2 males 60s, 1 male 80s, 1 male 90s
Crawford County: 1 male 50s
Greene County: 1 female 70s
Kane County: 1 male 60s
Livingston County: 1 male 60s
Macon County: 1 male 70s, 1 female 80s
Madison County: 1 female 80s, 1 female 90s
Mercer County: 1 female 90s
Monroe County: 1 female 60s
Morgan County: 1 male 80s
Peoria County: 1 male 70s, 1 female 90s
Rock Island County: 1 male 70s, 1 female 80s
Tazewell County: 1 female 60s, 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s
Vermilion County: 1 male 70s
Will County: 1 male 70s, 3 females 90s

Currently,