Illinois Department of Public Health

Illinois’ top public health official on Friday asked residents to accept calls from contact tracers as reports of contact tracing scams continue to circulate in Illinois and throughout the United States. Contact tracers are tasked with calling those who test positive for the coronavirus and all their contacts to encourage them to monitor symptoms and self-quarantine. Tracers will often send…

May 29, 2020: More than 1,600 new coronavirus cases were reported in Illinois as nearly all of the state eases restrictions, entering a third phase of reopening Friday.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued new guidelines for churches and religious services Thursday as most of the state prepares to move into Phase Three of its reopening plan. The Illinois Department of Public Health released a nine-page document laying out recommendations – not mandates – as it relates to holding worship services. Pritzker’s extended stay-at-home order, which took effect May…

All four of Illinois’ health regions will be allowed to enter to the next phase of reopening after meeting the health criteria necessary to begin easing restrictions, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said.

May 28: Gov. J.B. Pritzker says all four of Illinois’ health regions will be allowed to enter phase three of reopening beginning Friday.

May 28 briefing: IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike reveals the latest coronavirus data for Illinois.

With the state of Illinois set to move forward into Phase Three of the “Restore Illinois” plan this week, Gov. J.B. Pritzker says that despite reopening more portions of the state’s economy, coronavirus case numbers and hospitalizations are continuing to trend in the right direction.

All four of Illinois’ health regions remain on track to enter to the next phase of reopening this week, data shows. As of Tuesday, four days remained in the statewide stay-at-home order, but regions can begin entering phase three in as early as three days – if they meet the required metrics Illinois’ four reopening regions — Northeast, North Central,…

An additional 2,758 coronavirus cases were reported in Illinois Friday, with much of the state on track to enter phase three of the state’s reopening plan in one week. The new cases lift the statewide total 105,444. Health officials also confirmed 110 additional deaths in the last 24 hours. The state’s death toll is now at 4,715, according to data…

All four of Illinois’ health regions remain on track to enter to the next phase of reopening one week from Friday, data shows. As of Friday, eight days remained in the statewide stay-at-home order, but regions can begin entering phase three in as early as seven days – if they meet the required metrics. Chicago, however, will not be eligible…

May 22 briefing: Gov. J.B. Pritzker outlines the requirements for child care providers to reopen in phase three of the state’s plan.

May 15 briefing: Gov. J.B. Pritzker discusses latest testing and positivity rate data.

Gatherings of up to 10 people will be allowed as Illinois enters phase three of its reopening plan, but does it need to be the same 10 people and do you still need to social distance? Illinois officials answered some of those questions Thursday as much of the state prepares to enter the next reopening stage at the end of…

Despite Illinois allowing restaurants to reopen for outdoor seating in phase three of its reopening plan, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said city residents shouldn’t expect that to happen this month. “I don’t think we’re going to be ready by May 29 but my hope is soon in June we’re going to be ready,” Lightfoot said during a press briefing...

Chicago may not be ready to enter phase three of reopening with much of Illinois this month, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Thursday. Lightfoot declined to give a “magic date,” but said the decision will be made when the city meets the health metrics laid out in her city-specific five-phased reopening plan. “The magic date is when we hit our metrics,”…

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot answers questions about reopening restaurants for outdoor dining, the lakefront and more during a press briefing on May 21.

Illinois marked a single-day record for coronavirus testing Thursday as an additional 2,268 coronavirus cases were reported statewide, bringing the state’s total number of cases to 102,686. Health officials also confirmed 87 additional deaths in the last 24 hours. The state’s death toll is now at 4,607, according to data released by the Illinois Department of Public Health. One day…

May 21 briefing: Dr. Ngozi Ezike reveals the latest coronavirus data for Illinois.

The governor has allowed bars and restaurants to reopen with restrictions. NBC 5 Political Reporter Mary Ann Ahern explains the changes.

Illinois restaurants will be allowed to open for outdoor seating in phase three of the state’s reopening plan, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Wednesday. The move is a shift from the state’s original guidelines, though restaurants still cannot reopen for dine-in service until phase four. “After listening to and working with restaurant industry representatives together with our epidemiologists, today, I’m...