COVID-19

With the highly contagious Delta Variant of COVID-19 rising in Illinois, and low vaccination rates in some parts of the state, Governor JB Pritzker has issued mask mandates for all public schools.

Three men running for the GOP nomination for Illinois governor say they're opposed to new masking and vaccination rules being implemented.

Masks will be required at all Illinois long-term care facilities, day cares and Pre-K-12 schools, Gov. JB Pritzker announced Wednesday amid a nationwide surge of COVID-19.

Hospitalizations for COVID-19 jumped by more than 13 percent from Sunday to Monday night while intensive care bed usage jumped 15 percent as the delta variant of the virus continued to cause a surge nationwide.

Mayor Bill de Blasio said enforcement of the new policy will take effect starting Sept. 13 and will apply to indoor dining, gyms and entertainment venues.

In a dramatic move reminiscent of the first days of the coronavirus in China some 19 months ago, flights and trains in and out of the city of 11 million have been halted.

Florida is quickly becoming the country's epicenter for COVID-19 as the state saw a 50% increase over the last week in new cases.

Daily infections are nearly quadruple the numbers reported just a week ago. Japan's prime minister, who has denied the Olympics are to blame, has extended a state of emergency to the end of August.

Many people are seeking care due to the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The plan is based on current rates of COVID-19 i the county.