dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-11--6th District congressional candidates answer your questions

The Daily Herald and Chicago radio station WBEZ 91.5-FM are partnering this election season to cover the race for the 6th Congressional District seat , both in the March 17 primary and the November general election .
As part of that coverage , the Daily Herald and WBEZ recently conducted a survey asking potential voters what questions they would like to ask the candidates .
What follows are those questions , as compiled by WBEZ , and the candidates ' replies .
The March 17 primary features two Republicans -- Jeanne Ives of Wheaton and Gordon `` Jay '' Kinzler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party 's nod to face incumbent Democrat Sean Casten of Downers Grove in the November general election .
Casten is running unopposed in the Democratic primary .
He is the first Democrat to represent the district since 1972 .
The district makes an arc in the shape of a C from Hinsdale and Naperville through Elgin to just beyond Long Grove and the Barrington area .
It includes parts of Cook , DuPage , Kane , Lake and McHenry counties .
Q : More than any other topic in our survey , 6th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach to the world 's changing climate .
What specific plan or plans do you support to address climate change ?
Jeanne Ives : I do n't dispute the climate is changing .
But we need smart solutions that deal in reality .
Not crazy `` deals '' premised on the irrational idea that the world is ending .
The reason so many do n't heed climate alarmism is because when the policies attached to those warnings are rolled out it becomes clear that progressivism is the priority -- not the environment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ often lost in the avalanche of rhetoric .
Having a clean environment should be our focus .
America has made great strides since the 1970s to clean up our environment .
I support those efforts .
Gordon `` Jay '' Kinzler : The climate is always changing .
It has changed throughout the history of our planet .
Global warming is seen in other planets in our solar system and is related to causes other than human activity .
However , it is important that we are good stewards of our planet and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all future generations will be able to enjoy our Earth .
It is imperative that Congress keep our land , water and air as clean as possible .
Congress should protect our environment , support the search for renewable energy sources and improve our current planet-friendly renewable energy sources .
Sean Casten : As a scientist and entrepreneur , I have spent my career working to address the climate crisis .
I ran for public office to combat the climate crisis and in Congress , and I 'm proud to serve on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work every day to pass meaningful climate legislation .
First and foremost , we must lower our greenhouse gas emissions and remove 100 ppm of CO2 from the atmosphere .
Ultimately , I would like to see a regulatory environment that prices CO2 and provides direct economic incentives for CO2 reduction .
Q : Many people in our survey also wanted to know how your proposed climate policies would affect the economy .
Judy Kaplow , from unincorporated Dundee Township , asked : How would you act to prevent the worst damage of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costing jobs ?
Ives : It 's time to stop offering the American people the false choice of inaction or economy-crushing regulation when it comes to climate change .
The good thing about market forces is that they respond to demand .
There is great demand for a clean environment and there is tremendous effort invested in technologies that work toward that end .
The business owners I have met with also work extremely hard on ensuring their operations use energy in the most efficient way , because wasting energy costs money .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus .
Kinzler : My policies will help the economy .
New jobs will be created as we continue to develop renewable sources of energy .
New jobs will also be created as we look for ways to make our current energy sources cleaner and more environmentally friendly to use .
As an example , when I was president of the park district in Glen Ellyn , we rehabilitated our community center in the center of town .
By using common sense solutions , we can save taxpayers money , provide good paying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same time protect our environment .
Casten : During my career I 've rejected the notion that we have to pick between a better environment or creating jobs .
I know we can have both , because that 's what I 've spent my career doing .
In my prior work before Congress , I had a profitable business that was good for the environment and our economy .
That 's why I believe the transition to a low-carbon , clean energy economy requires a commitment to research .
In Congress , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( CITA ) to unleash innovation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from industrial sources and make American companies more competitive in the global economy .
Q : The rising cost of health care was a concern shared by many 6th District voters .
Aaron from Wheaton shared that he 'd like more choice in his insurance options .
Melanie from Inverness wrote that she finds `` premiums and out-of-pocket ( costs ) very high and difficult to manage . ''
Stewart from Campton Township shared his concerns about the effects of insurance costs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into account : How do you plan to make health insurance more accessible and affordable ?
Ives : Health insurance is more accessible when it 's more affordable .
The number one reason people cite for going uninsured is cost .
My focus will be on reducing the cost of insurance , not through subsidies , which can vary from year to year , but through market competition , which will reduce premiums for everyone .
Our insurance markets have become less competitive : at the start of Obamacare , there were 17 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exchange .
Now there are only three .
I support giving individuals greater choice in insurance plans , including choices like short-term and association health plans , which can be much more affordable .
Kinzler : As a medical doctor and surgeon , I have an authentic understanding of the health care system in the United States .
Doctors should have an active role in determining the future of health care .
Doctors should be able to advocate for their patients regarding the medical care they receive .
There needs to be more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bureaucracy .
We need to emphasize prevention of disease .
There needs to be more insurance companies so there is more competition which will lower premiums which will help individuals and small businesses better afford health care .
Casten : We must insist on true , universal health care .
Not just the kind where anyone can go to the emergency room , but where everyone , regardless of employment or wealth , has access to full preventive health care services -- checkups , screenings , and all the other early-detection measures that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interventions .
This means building on the successes of the Affordable Care Act and implementing reforms that inject competition in the market to lower costs and deliver care to everyone .
Restoring the individual mandate , guaranteeing coverage for those with preexisting conditions and expanding the ACA will be critically important for the health and economics of 6th District families .
Q : Voters such as Sam Gomez from Hinsdale are struggling with the unpredictable and rising costs of medication .
Sam said his generic prescriptions recently went from $ 10 a month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will you do to help lower the cost of prescription drugs ?
Ives : The drug supply chain is very complex , and , like the rest of American health care , it lacks transparency .
There are often middlemen involved , like insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers ( PBMs ) , and this makes it difficult for patients to know the true cost of their drugs .
I support reducing the role of these middlemen and requiring transparent pricing .
Pharmacists should never be `` gagged '' if they have information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changes at the FDA that would make drug trials more efficient and faster ( and less costly because these costs get passed on to patients ) .
Kinzler : Cost of prescription drugs needs to be brought down , particularly generic medications .
Americans need to get medications at market world rates .
I would propose and pass legislation that encourages research and cost effectiveness of the development of new drugs , encourages production of generic medications here in the U.S. , and stops market manipulation by companies who buy generic companies then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to artificially hike the price that results in higher generic costs .
Casten : The cost of prescription drugs is a topic I hear often about from constituents .
We need to lower the cost of prescription drugs .
To lower costs , we must start by lowering prescription drug prices by allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices .
I was proud to co-sponsor and vote to pass HR 3 that would allow Medicare to leverage the large purchasing power of the federal government to secure lower prices , cap out-of-pocket costs for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reinvest in critical health programs like Medicare .
These lower , negotiated drug prices would be available for the private insurance market to use to keep prices low for Americans with private health insurance .
Q : Also high on the list of concerns is whether you 're able to work effectively with someone who holds views that oppose your own .
Bruce Mabee from Downers Grove asked for you to give a specific example of a time you worked to compromise with someone you disagree with in a political or professional setting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your work in policy or public life , please share that example .
Ives : As a state legislator , I was in the minority .
So in order to get any of my bills passed out of the Illinois House , I worked with politicians on both sides of the aisle on issues of common interest .
I worked with Democrats to pass bills on college board reform and a Health Insurance Network Adequacy Bill .
In general , we need to pay less attention to personality and more attention to policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They are merely a means to policy ends .
Kinzler : As a physician and transplant surgeon , I have compassion and sensibility for others .
It 's part of my nature .
I am a unifier and look for common ground we can work together on for our constituents .
I have a track record of being the only Republican on a local government board with six Democrats .
We accomplished a lot , worked together and lowered the property tax by over 33 % during a two-year period .
They elected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because we were able to find common ground that we could agree on for the good of our constituents .
Casten : Throughout my time in science and business , I worked with colleagues toward a common goal without knowing their political views .
I will gladly work with any legislator who 's willing to approach problems with a commitment to science , data and facts .
Good ideas can come from anyone , but we have to operate from a shared commitment to the truth and facts .
An example from my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , bicameral Promoting Grid Storage Act of 2019 , which would boost research and development of cutting-edge technologies to increase energy storage capabilities for America 's electric grid and enable the expanded use of clean energy .
Q : Many of your constituents are worried about the cost of higher education .
Owen from West Chicago explained : `` I have been paying off my student loans for the past 16 years and will only have them forgiven next year assuming that the ( Public Service Loan Forgiveness ) program will still exist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Stetson Laguerre , Advaith Kumar , Shauntierra Wilson and Jerry Buck also asked about education affordability .
What plan or plans do you support that will address the cost of higher education ?
Ives : Many Americans struggle with the crushing cost of college and student loans .
It was a mistake to nationalize the student loan industry ; student debt has ballooned and the cost of college has continued to skyrocket .
Only about one-third of Americans have college degrees and asking the other two-thirds to pay taxes to cover this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Instead , colleges should receive less federal funding and they should be held accountable for what they do receive .
This funding is going to enrich university endowments , but there 's little market evaluation of what a degree is worth .
Kinzler : The cost of tuition for college has gone up much greater than the rate of inflation .
Due to market factors , universities and colleges found that they could raise their rates higher to the students , because the loans were able to pay for those inflated rates .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher education with loan availability for students , then it needs to do more oversight of the quality of education and the return on investment .
Rates that the universities and colleges charge students need to be reined in and costs of instruction need to be reevaluated and reduced .
Casten : When it comes to higher education , the burden of student loan debt is crippling and can deter many from even considering college .
With one child in high school and one in middle school , I 'm acutely aware of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it affects families .
There is a lot we need to do to make higher education affordable .
In Congress , I introduced the Pell Grant Sustainability Act , which would make sure that federal resources for college students keep up with current costs by indexing Pell Grants to inflation .
Q : Others expressed concern about being able to afford education before college as well .
Meagan G. from Carol Stream wrote : `` We are paying almost as much as our rent to have one child in day care .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year but have no idea how we will afford child care .
We both work and want to keep it that way .
Neither of us wants to quit to watch the kids and neither of us makes enough money to be a single income home . ''
What will you do to ensure your constituents can afford child care ?
Ives : There are many state and federal programs designed to help with the cost of child care but they clearly are n't working to serve everyone well .
I support reforming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I also support the doubling of the Child Tax Credit ( in the tax reform of 2017 , which will sunset in 2025 ) .
We should extend this and other provisions that offer working families more resources .
Kinzler : With the improving economy , wages are naturally going up .
We also need to reduce the tax burden of working people .
This will allow residents to better afford housing and child care .
Casten : Our most fundamental responsibility as a nation is to provide for our children , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ status or ZIP code .
We are at our best when every child has equal access to opportunity .
The cost of child care is a crushing burden for too many families in our community .
That is why I am a proud co-sponsor of HR 1364 , Child Care for Working Act .
This early learning and child care bill would ensure affordable , quality child care for working middle class families .
Q : We heard from many people such as Rabih Dahdouh from Wheaton , who are concerned about a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Illinois due , in part , to high taxes .
What can you do to ease the tax burden on Illinoisans so residents and businesses do n't flee the state ?
Ives : As a state legislator , I stood up to both parties on unbalanced budgets , tax hikes and crony bailouts .
I know every dime government spends comes out of your pocket .
I opposed additional mandates on local governments that drive up taxes .
I will do the same at the federal level .
As a congresswoman , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programs that fail repeatedly to invigorate our free market system , such as EX-IM Bank reauthorization , which sent U.S. taxpayer dollars to subsidize foreign state-owned companies .
If the national economy is stronger overall , the state 's economy will benefit .
Kinzler : We need to lower taxes .
I am opposed to any new taxes in Illinois or the U.S .
I am opposed to the graduated state income tax .
Increased taxes are what is driving productive people and job-creating businesses to leave our state .
This must be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the U.S. tax code is to increase the deduction for those paying state and property taxes ( The SALT taxes ) .
I would also encourage states with high state income and property taxes to reduce them .
I would oppose any new taxes .
I would support lowering taxes .
Casten : We need to ease the tax burden on Illinois families and help homeowners .
That 's why when I ran for Congress , I made a pledge to my constituents to repeal the disastrous state and local tax ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 Republican Tax Bill .
The law disproportionately hurts Illinoisans by imposing a new cap on the SALT deduction at $ 10,000 .
I introduced HR 1757 and supported the Restoring Tax Fairness for State and Localities bill , which would lift the SALT cap deduction for 2020 and 2021 to help homeowners get the tax relief they need .
Q : Other constituents want to know what you plan to do to decrease the national debt and the national deficit .
Bruce Wolfe from Downers Grove wrote that `` budget deficits are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the task of paying for our financial sins . ''
If elected , how would you tackle the growing national debt and national deficit ?
Ives : The federal government spends $ 6 million a minute , each minute , every day of the year .
This costs each American family over $ 23,000 a year .
It 's the responsibility of Congress to fix the problem .
That said , we can not just go in and make huge cuts to programs people depend on .
I support the Penny Plan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce the budget by one penny for every dollar it spends annually over a period of five years .
Budget caps and a growing economy will go a long way in getting our debt under control .
Kinzler : Our president has fostered a robust economy by lowering taxes and reducing regulations .
The unemployment rate has plummeted .
The current legislature is controlled by Democrat-Socialists who are more concerned with endless trumped-up investigations than strengthening our economy and doing the peoples ' work .
They need to be replaced in the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be reduced as it has become one of the biggest impediments to job creation .
We need a balanced budget , reduced spending and [ to ] fight government corruption .
Casten : It 's important to distinguish between irresponsible spending that simply increases the debt and investment that creates a return .
I 've advocated for an infrastructure plan that would provide jobs and create value -- an investment in our country .
Education is another area in which spending is actually an investment .
However , instead of investing in our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GOP enablers chose to blow up the deficit by providing a massive tax cut for the ultrawealthy , and we have been left to deal with it .
Q : Voters such as Carlos Perez from Carol Stream asked about Social Security .
Perez wrote : `` My parents will be retiring soon , my wife and I would like to retire at an appropriate age , my children would like to retire too . ''
What plan or plans do you support to keep Social Security solvent and to prevent benefits from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Social Security is insolvent .
It must be reformed .
Our seniors deserve and earned these benefits , we will ensure they will receive the benefits promised .
As our runaway debt continues to grow exponentially , however , we must make our retirement systems sustainable in our modern economy for future generations .
In Illinois , the State Universities Retirement System has a defined contribution plan that should be considered to replace Social Security for new workers .
The stock market is generating double-digit returns , it 's criminal to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Security which returns only 1 % after 44 years .
Kinzler : First , eliminate corruption by weeding out people who are n't entitled to receive benefits .
Recently in Chicago one of the police commanders was cashing in on his deceased mother 's Social Security checks for decades .
We need better enforcement of the rules of who 's eligible for Social Security .
Do n't allow government bureaucrats and elected officials to take money out of Social Security 's funds to use for other government programs .
Look at ways to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Social Security Trust Fund .
Streamline the Social Security bureaucracy and make it more efficient .
Casten : Social Security and Medicare are the foundation of economic security for American families .
I oppose efforts to cut Social Security and Medicare , as well as efforts to undercut the financial stability of these programs like deficit-busting tax breaks for the wealthy and corporations .
I am dedicated to doing more than just fighting back against these attacks , I am a co-sponsor of the Social Security 2100 Act that would improve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strong throughout the century .
I have also supported legislation to expand benefits under Medicare to include hearing , dental and vision care .
Q : In our survey , a lot of people listed immigration reform as an important topic .
Dave Trotter from Wheaton asked about border wall funding while F. Chance Chenoweth asked about your stance on so-called sanctuary cities .
What piece of the immigration system do you believe needs to be addressed most urgently ?
How would you address it and what impact would that have on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system is broken .
We must keep people safe and enforce the rule of law .
Border security is first .
I will approach border security with solutions that make sense for each stretch of the border -- if a border wall does n't make sense for particular expanses of land , then look at the technical solutions available including monitoring those who overstay their VISAs .
This approach leads to an immigration system that Americans can have confidence in .
Then we can then talk about next steps for immigration reform .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ welcome them and their contributions to society .
Kinzler : We are paying a huge price for illegal immigrants that have come to our country .
However , it is not possible to send them all back .
I will support finding a path for citizenship for those in the DACA ( Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals ) program , but this must be coupled with more definitive immigration legislation that will prevent the influx of future Illegal immigrants .
This should include funding of an effective southern barrier , investment in enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and end the special status of sanctuary cities .
There should be immediate deportation of all lawbreaking felons who are here illegally .
Casten : Reforming our immigration system is critical not just for every sector of our economy but also to uphold the human rights of people around the world .
For DACA recipients , America is the only home they 've ever known ; I was proud to vote for HR 6 , the American Dream and Promise Act , to make the DACA program permanent and give Dreamers a path @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trump administration 's cruel separation of children from their parents at our Southern border .
I was proud to vote for the emergency funding bill and the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in CBP Custody Act .
Q : This last question came from Paul from Wheaton , though we heard from many concerned with the accessibility of voting .
What is your stance on making Election Day a holiday or on a weekend to encourage higher voter turnout ?
Ives : The majority of states require employers to give workers time off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Illinois , we have extended early voting well beyond two weeks prior to Election Day .
Voters can vote at home -- anytime -- by using the Vote By Mail program .
Americans share the fundamental notion that our voice in government is in our vote .
That means our vote should count .
Voter integrity is of great importance and an area we should continue to monitor and work on .
But changing the day of the election wo n't ensure greater representation .
Kinzler : Having voting day on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote if you could only vote on Election Day .
There are many opportunities to vote now including voting by mail and voting at the county building weeks before the election .
You can also vote for two weeks prior to the election at many early voting sites which include two weekends , early morning prior to work and evening hours .
Casten : The American democratic experiment depends first and foremost on our faith that our vote counts and that every vote counts equally .
It is imperative that we strengthen the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , registering to vote , and getting to the polls as easy as possible .
I do support making Election Day a holiday because we need to make it easier -- not harder -- for people to vote .
I co-sponsored and voted for HR 1 , the `` For the People Act , '' which contained such a provision .

6th District congressional candidates answer your questions
The Daily Herald and Chicago radio station WBEZ 91.5-FM are partnering this election season to cover the race for the 6th Congressional District seat, both in the March 17 primary and the November general election.
As part of that coverage, the Daily Herald and WBEZ recently conducted a survey asking potential voters what questions they would like to ask the candidates. What follows are those questions, as compiled by WBEZ, and the candidates' replies.
The March 17 primary features two Republicans -- Jeanne Ives of Wheaton and Gordon "Jay" Kinzler of Glen Ellyn -- vying for their party's nod to face incumbent Democrat Sean Casten of Downers Grove in the November general election. Casten is running unopposed in the Democratic primary. He is the first Democrat to represent the district since 1972.
The district makes an arc in the shape of a C from Hinsdale and Naperville through Elgin to just beyond Long Grove and the Barrington area. It includes parts of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and McHenry counties.
Q: More than any other topic in our survey, 6th District voters wanted to know about your approach to the world's changing climate. What specific plan or plans do you support to address climate change?
Jeanne Ives: I don't dispute the climate is changing. But we need smart solutions that deal in reality. Not crazy "deals" premised on the irrational idea that the world is ending.
The reason so many don't heed climate alarmism is because when the policies attached to those warnings are rolled out it becomes clear that progressivism is the priority -- not the environment.
Sober-minded cost-benefit analyses of proposed policies are often lost in the avalanche of rhetoric. Having a clean environment should be our focus. America has made great strides since the 1970s to clean up our environment. I support those efforts.
Gordon "Jay" Kinzler: The climate is always changing. It has changed throughout the history of our planet. Global warming is seen in other planets in our solar system and is related to causes other than human activity.
However, it is important that we are good stewards of our planet and keep it clean and healthy so that all future generations will be able to enjoy our Earth. It is imperative that Congress keep our land, water and air as clean as possible.
Congress should protect our environment, support the search for renewable energy sources and improve our current planet-friendly renewable energy sources.
Sean Casten: As a scientist and entrepreneur, I have spent my career working to address the climate crisis. I ran for public office to combat the climate crisis and in Congress, and I'm proud to serve on the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis and work every day to pass meaningful climate legislation.
First and foremost, we must lower our greenhouse gas emissions and remove 100 ppm of CO2 from the atmosphere. Ultimately, I would like to see a regulatory environment that prices CO2 and provides direct economic incentives for CO2 reduction.
Q: Many people in our survey also wanted to know how your proposed climate policies would affect the economy. Judy Kaplow, from unincorporated Dundee Township, asked: How would you act to prevent the worst damage of climate change without upending the economy and costing jobs?
Ives: It's time to stop offering the American people the false choice of inaction or economy-crushing regulation when it comes to climate change.
The good thing about market forces is that they respond to demand. There is great demand for a clean environment and there is tremendous effort invested in technologies that work toward that end. The business owners I have met with also work extremely hard on ensuring their operations use energy in the most efficient way, because wasting energy costs money. That, too, should be our focus.
Kinzler: My policies will help the economy. New jobs will be created as we continue to develop renewable sources of energy. New jobs will also be created as we look for ways to make our current energy sources cleaner and more environmentally friendly to use.
As an example, when I was president of the park district in Glen Ellyn, we rehabilitated our community center in the center of town. By using common sense solutions, we can save taxpayers money, provide good paying jobs for local economies, and at the same time protect our environment.
Casten: During my career I've rejected the notion that we have to pick between a better environment or creating jobs. I know we can have both, because that's what I've spent my career doing.
In my prior work before Congress, I had a profitable business that was good for the environment and our economy. That's why I believe the transition to a low-carbon, clean energy economy requires a commitment to research.
In Congress, I introduced the Clean Industrial Technology Act (CITA) to unleash innovation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from industrial sources and make American companies more competitive in the global economy.
Q: The rising cost of health care was a concern shared by many 6th District voters. Aaron from Wheaton shared that he'd like more choice in his insurance options. Melanie from Inverness wrote that she finds "premiums and out-of-pocket (costs) very high and difficult to manage." Stewart from Campton Township shared his concerns about the effects of insurance costs on small businesses. Taking these examples into account: How do you plan to make health insurance more accessible and affordable?
Ives: Health insurance is more accessible when it's more affordable. The number one reason people cite for going uninsured is cost. My focus will be on reducing the cost of insurance, not through subsidies, which can vary from year to year, but through market competition, which will reduce premiums for everyone.
Our insurance markets have become less competitive: at the start of Obamacare, there were 17 insurers offering plans in our state's exchange. Now there are only three.
I support giving individuals greater choice in insurance plans, including choices like short-term and association health plans, which can be much more affordable.
Kinzler: As a medical doctor and surgeon, I have an authentic understanding of the health care system in the United States. Doctors should have an active role in determining the future of health care. Doctors should be able to advocate for their patients regarding the medical care they receive.
There needs to be more choice and personalized care, and less bureaucracy. We need to emphasize prevention of disease. There needs to be more insurance companies so there is more competition which will lower premiums which will help individuals and small businesses better afford health care.
Casten: We must insist on true, universal health care. Not just the kind where anyone can go to the emergency room, but where everyone, regardless of employment or wealth, has access to full preventive health care services -- checkups, screenings, and all the other early-detection measures that reduce the need for higher-cost, later-stage interventions.
This means building on the successes of the Affordable Care Act and implementing reforms that inject competition in the market to lower costs and deliver care to everyone.
Restoring the individual mandate, guaranteeing coverage for those with preexisting conditions and expanding the ACA will be critically important for the health and economics of 6th District families.
Q: Voters such as Sam Gomez from Hinsdale are struggling with the unpredictable and rising costs of medication. Sam said his generic prescriptions recently went from $10 a month to $120 a month. What will you do to help lower the cost of prescription drugs?
Ives: The drug supply chain is very complex, and, like the rest of American health care, it lacks transparency. There are often middlemen involved, like insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and this makes it difficult for patients to know the true cost of their drugs.
I support reducing the role of these middlemen and requiring transparent pricing. Pharmacists should never be "gagged" if they have information about lower prices. I also support changes at the FDA that would make drug trials more efficient and faster (and less costly because these costs get passed on to patients).
Kinzler: Cost of prescription drugs needs to be brought down, particularly generic medications. Americans need to get medications at market world rates. I would propose and pass legislation that encourages research and cost effectiveness of the development of new drugs, encourages production of generic medications here in the U.S., and stops market manipulation by companies who buy generic companies then reduce production of generics to be able to artificially hike the price that results in higher generic costs.
Casten: The cost of prescription drugs is a topic I hear often about from constituents. We need to lower the cost of prescription drugs. To lower costs, we must start by lowering prescription drug prices by allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices.
I was proud to co-sponsor and vote to pass HR 3 that would allow Medicare to leverage the large purchasing power of the federal government to secure lower prices, cap out-of-pocket costs for seniors, and use those savings to reinvest in critical health programs like Medicare.
These lower, negotiated drug prices would be available for the private insurance market to use to keep prices low for Americans with private health insurance.
Q: Also high on the list of concerns is whether you're able to work effectively with someone who holds views that oppose your own. Bruce Mabee from Downers Grove asked for you to give a specific example of a time you worked to compromise with someone you disagree with in a political or professional setting. If you have an example from your work in policy or public life, please share that example.
Ives: As a state legislator, I was in the minority. So in order to get any of my bills passed out of the Illinois House, I worked with politicians on both sides of the aisle on issues of common interest. I worked with Democrats to pass bills on college board reform and a Health Insurance Network Adequacy Bill.
In general, we need to pay less attention to personality and more attention to policy. Politicians should not have fans. They are merely a means to policy ends.
Kinzler: As a physician and transplant surgeon, I have compassion and sensibility for others. It's part of my nature. I am a unifier and look for common ground we can work together on for our constituents.
I have a track record of being the only Republican on a local government board with six Democrats. We accomplished a lot, worked together and lowered the property tax by over 33% during a two-year period. They elected me to be the park district president because we were able to find common ground that we could agree on for the good of our constituents.
Casten: Throughout my time in science and business, I worked with colleagues toward a common goal without knowing their political views. I will gladly work with any legislator who's willing to approach problems with a commitment to science, data and facts.
Good ideas can come from anyone, but we have to operate from a shared commitment to the truth and facts. An example from my work in Congress is introducing the bipartisan, bicameral Promoting Grid Storage Act of 2019, which would boost research and development of cutting-edge technologies to increase energy storage capabilities for America's electric grid and enable the expanded use of clean energy.
Q: Many of your constituents are worried about the cost of higher education. Owen from West Chicago explained: "I have been paying off my student loans for the past 16 years and will only have them forgiven next year assuming that the (Public Service Loan Forgiveness) program will still exist." Current students like Mariana Espinal, Stetson Laguerre, Advaith Kumar, Shauntierra Wilson and Jerry Buck also asked about education affordability. What plan or plans do you support that will address the cost of higher education?
Ives: Many Americans struggle with the crushing cost of college and student loans. It was a mistake to nationalize the student loan industry; student debt has ballooned and the cost of college has continued to skyrocket.
Only about one-third of Americans have college degrees and asking the other two-thirds to pay taxes to cover this cost is deeply regressive and unfair. Instead, colleges should receive less federal funding and they should be held accountable for what they do receive. This funding is going to enrich university endowments, but there's little market evaluation of what a degree is worth.
Kinzler: The cost of tuition for college has gone up much greater than the rate of inflation. Due to market factors, universities and colleges found that they could raise their rates higher to the students, because the loans were able to pay for those inflated rates.
If Congress persists in wanting to fund higher education with loan availability for students, then it needs to do more oversight of the quality of education and the return on investment. Rates that the universities and colleges charge students need to be reined in and costs of instruction need to be reevaluated and reduced.
Casten: When it comes to higher education, the burden of student loan debt is crippling and can deter many from even considering college. With one child in high school and one in middle school, I'm acutely aware of the costs of higher education and how it affects families.
There is a lot we need to do to make higher education affordable. In Congress, I introduced the Pell Grant Sustainability Act, which would make sure that federal resources for college students keep up with current costs by indexing Pell Grants to inflation.
Q: Others expressed concern about being able to afford education before college as well. Meagan G. from Carol Stream wrote: "We are paying almost as much as our rent to have one child in day care. We are hoping to have another baby this year but have no idea how we will afford child care. We both work and want to keep it that way. Neither of us wants to quit to watch the kids and neither of us makes enough money to be a single income home." What will you do to ensure your constituents can afford child care?
Ives: There are many state and federal programs designed to help with the cost of child care but they clearly aren't working to serve everyone well. I support reforming those programs to ensure accountability and efficiency.
I also support the doubling of the Child Tax Credit (in the tax reform of 2017, which will sunset in 2025). We should extend this and other provisions that offer working families more resources.
Kinzler: With the improving economy, wages are naturally going up. We also need to reduce the tax burden of working people. This will allow residents to better afford housing and child care.
Casten: Our most fundamental responsibility as a nation is to provide for our children, regardless of race, religion, economic status or ZIP code. We are at our best when every child has equal access to opportunity.
The cost of child care is a crushing burden for too many families in our community. That is why I am a proud co-sponsor of HR 1364, Child Care for Working Act. This early learning and child care bill would ensure affordable, quality child care for working middle class families.
Q: We heard from many people such as Rabih Dahdouh from Wheaton, who are concerned about a "mass exodus of residents" from Illinois due, in part, to high taxes. What can you do to ease the tax burden on Illinoisans so residents and businesses don't flee the state?
Ives: As a state legislator, I stood up to both parties on unbalanced budgets, tax hikes and crony bailouts. I know every dime government spends comes out of your pocket. I opposed additional mandates on local governments that drive up taxes. I will do the same at the federal level.
As a congresswoman, I would oppose more regulations, mandates, programs that fail repeatedly to invigorate our free market system, such as EX-IM Bank reauthorization, which sent U.S. taxpayer dollars to subsidize foreign state-owned companies.
If the national economy is stronger overall, the state's economy will benefit.
Kinzler: We need to lower taxes. I am opposed to any new taxes in Illinois or the U.S. I am opposed to the graduated state income tax. Increased taxes are what is driving productive people and job-creating businesses to leave our state. This must be reversed.
One change I would make in the U.S. tax code is to increase the deduction for those paying state and property taxes (The SALT taxes). I would also encourage states with high state income and property taxes to reduce them. I would oppose any new taxes. I would support lowering taxes.
Casten: We need to ease the tax burden on Illinois families and help homeowners. That's why when I ran for Congress, I made a pledge to my constituents to repeal the disastrous state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap implemented in the 2017 Republican Tax Bill. The law disproportionately hurts Illinoisans by imposing a new cap on the SALT deduction at $10,000.
I introduced HR 1757 and supported the Restoring Tax Fairness for State and Localities bill, which would lift the SALT cap deduction for 2020 and 2021 to help homeowners get the tax relief they need.
Q: Other constituents want to know what you plan to do to decrease the national debt and the national deficit. Bruce Wolfe from Downers Grove wrote that "budget deficits are recklessly imprudent and burden our grandchildren with the task of paying for our financial sins." If elected, how would you tackle the growing national debt and national deficit?
Ives: The federal government spends $6 million a minute, each minute, every day of the year. This costs each American family over $23,000 a year. It's the responsibility of Congress to fix the problem.
That said, we cannot just go in and make huge cuts to programs people depend on.
I support the Penny Plan, which simply requires the federal government to reduce the budget by one penny for every dollar it spends annually over a period of five years. Budget caps and a growing economy will go a long way in getting our debt under control.
Kinzler: Our president has fostered a robust economy by lowering taxes and reducing regulations. The unemployment rate has plummeted.
The current legislature is controlled by Democrat-Socialists who are more concerned with endless trumped-up investigations than strengthening our economy and doing the peoples' work. They need to be replaced in the next election.
Our overgrown government needs to be reduced as it has become one of the biggest impediments to job creation. We need a balanced budget, reduced spending and [to] fight government corruption.
Casten: It's important to distinguish between irresponsible spending that simply increases the debt and investment that creates a return.
I've advocated for an infrastructure plan that would provide jobs and create value -- an investment in our country. Education is another area in which spending is actually an investment. However, instead of investing in our country, the Trump Administration and its GOP enablers chose to blow up the deficit by providing a massive tax cut for the ultrawealthy, and we have been left to deal with it.
Q: Voters such as Carlos Perez from Carol Stream asked about Social Security. Perez wrote: "My parents will be retiring soon, my wife and I would like to retire at an appropriate age, my children would like to retire too." What plan or plans do you support to keep Social Security solvent and to prevent benefits from being cut in the future?
Ives: Social Security is insolvent. It must be reformed. Our seniors deserve and earned these benefits, we will ensure they will receive the benefits promised.
As our runaway debt continues to grow exponentially, however, we must make our retirement systems sustainable in our modern economy for future generations.
In Illinois, the State Universities Retirement System has a defined contribution plan that should be considered to replace Social Security for new workers. The stock market is generating double-digit returns, it's criminal to have employer and employee money going to Social Security which returns only 1% after 44 years.
Kinzler: First, eliminate corruption by weeding out people who aren't entitled to receive benefits. Recently in Chicago one of the police commanders was cashing in on his deceased mother's Social Security checks for decades. We need better enforcement of the rules of who's eligible for Social Security. Don't allow government bureaucrats and elected officials to take money out of Social Security's funds to use for other government programs. Look at ways to get better returns on investment of money in the Social Security Trust Fund. Streamline the Social Security bureaucracy and make it more efficient.
Casten: Social Security and Medicare are the foundation of economic security for American families. I oppose efforts to cut Social Security and Medicare, as well as efforts to undercut the financial stability of these programs like deficit-busting tax breaks for the wealthy and corporations. I am dedicated to doing more than just fighting back against these attacks, I am a co-sponsor of the Social Security 2100 Act that would improve benefits while ensuring Social Security remains finally strong throughout the century. I have also supported legislation to expand benefits under Medicare to include hearing, dental and vision care.
Q: In our survey, a lot of people listed immigration reform as an important topic. Dave Trotter from Wheaton asked about border wall funding while F. Chance Chenoweth asked about your stance on so-called sanctuary cities. What piece of the immigration system do you believe needs to be addressed most urgently? How would you address it and what impact would that have on the 6th District?
Ives: Our immigration system is broken. We must keep people safe and enforce the rule of law. Border security is first. I will approach border security with solutions that make sense for each stretch of the border -- if a border wall doesn't make sense for particular expanses of land, then look at the technical solutions available including monitoring those who overstay their VISAs.
This approach leads to an immigration system that Americans can have confidence in. Then we can then talk about next steps for immigration reform. Immigrants should enter legally and we should welcome them and their contributions to society.
Kinzler: We are paying a huge price for illegal immigrants that have come to our country. However, it is not possible to send them all back. I will support finding a path for citizenship for those in the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program, but this must be coupled with more definitive immigration legislation that will prevent the influx of future Illegal immigrants. This should include funding of an effective southern barrier, investment in enforcement, recruitment of state/local agencies for assistance and end the special status of sanctuary cities. There should be immediate deportation of all lawbreaking felons who are here illegally.
Casten: Reforming our immigration system is critical not just for every sector of our economy but also to uphold the human rights of people around the world. For DACA recipients, America is the only home they've ever known; I was proud to vote for HR 6, the American Dream and Promise Act, to make the DACA program permanent and give Dreamers a path to citizenship. I also strongly oppose the Trump administration's cruel separation of children from their parents at our Southern border. I was proud to vote for the emergency funding bill and the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in CBP Custody Act.
Q: This last question came from Paul from Wheaton, though we heard from many concerned with the accessibility of voting.
What is your stance on making Election Day a holiday or on a weekend to encourage higher voter turnout?
Ives: The majority of states require employers to give workers time off to vote on Election Day already. In Illinois, we have extended early voting well beyond two weeks prior to Election Day. Voters can vote at home -- anytime -- by using the Vote By Mail program.
Americans share the fundamental notion that our voice in government is in our vote. That means our vote should count. Voter integrity is of great importance and an area we should continue to monitor and work on.
But changing the day of the election won't ensure greater representation.
Kinzler: Having voting day on a weekend may make it more convenient to vote if you could only vote on Election Day. There are many opportunities to vote now including voting by mail and voting at the county building weeks before the election. You can also vote for two weeks prior to the election at many early voting sites which include two weekends, early morning prior to work and evening hours.
Casten: The American democratic experiment depends first and foremost on our faith that our vote counts and that every vote counts equally. It is imperative that we strengthen the integrity of our elections by making voting, registering to vote, and getting to the polls as easy as possible. I do support making Election Day a holiday because we need to make it easier -- not harder -- for people to vote. I co-sponsored and voted for HR 1, the "For the People Act," which contained such a provision.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-12--Carpentersville man guilty in 2017 fatal stabbing of ex-girlfriend's lover

A Kane County jury deliberated just 45 minutes before convicting a Carpentersville man Thursday of first-degree murder in an ambush , beating , and stabbing of his ex-girlfriend 's lover in Elgin .
Carlos F. Lopez , 31 , faces up to 60 years in prison when sentenced on June 12 for the death of Bayron Cruz , 36 , of South Elgin after a four-day trial before Kane County Judge D.J .
Tegeler .
Kane County prosecutors said Lopez has such `` extraordinary jealousy '' of his ex-girlfriend , with whom he had two children , that he recruited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the early morning hours of Aug. 12 , 2017 , after he met with Lopez ' ex for sex in the back seat of a vehicle on the 1100 block Jansen Farm Drive on the city 's Far West side .
Cruz , who was married , was the supervisor of Lopez 's ex-girlfriend at an manufacturing plant .
Prosecutors presented evidence that Lopez paid two men -- Gabriel M. Lopez , 28 , who is not related , and Michael Giacomino , 33 -- $ 200 each and had his current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Carpentersville , drive to an area ; Lopez and the two men pulled a shirtless Cruz from the back of a car , beat him and Lopez stabbing him 16 times with a steak knife .
At trial , Rodriguez , who pleaded guilty in 2018 to obstruction of justice and got an 18-month prison term , testified about how Lopez told her where to drive that night and to not turn around after the three men exited the vehicle .
Prosecutors also had a combination of surveillance video from the scene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was purchased , and Lopez ' recorded confession to Elgin police .
Lopez 's defense attorneys attacked Rodriguez ' credibility , noting she also faced first-degree murder charges and had pleaded guilty on the condition that prosecutors would later throw out the guilty plea if her testimony was satisfactory in the trial .
Defense attorneys also argued that Lopez wanted to tell Cruz to knock it off and go home to his wife , Lopez ' `` emotions got the best of him '' when he opened the car door and saw his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for trial on May 11 .
Gabriel M. Lopez is serving a 25-year prison term after pleading guilty in August 2019 .

Carpentersville man guilty in 2017 fatal stabbing of ex-girlfriend's lover
A Kane County jury deliberated just 45 minutes before convicting a Carpentersville man Thursday of first-degree murder in an ambush, beating, and stabbing of his ex-girlfriend's lover in Elgin.
Carlos F. Lopez, 31, faces up to 60 years in prison when sentenced on June 12 for the death of Bayron Cruz, 36, of South Elgin after a four-day trial before Kane County Judge D.J. Tegeler.
Kane County prosecutors said Lopez has such "extraordinary jealousy" of his ex-girlfriend, with whom he had two children, that he recruited three people to help him attack Cruz in the early morning hours of Aug. 12, 2017, after he met with Lopez' ex for sex in the back seat of a vehicle on the 1100 block Jansen Farm Drive on the city's Far West side.
Cruz, who was married, was the supervisor of Lopez's ex-girlfriend at an manufacturing plant.
Prosecutors presented evidence that Lopez paid two men -- Gabriel M. Lopez, 28, who is not related, and Michael Giacomino, 33 -- $200 each and had his current girlfriend, Ivette Rodriguez, 23, of Carpentersville, drive to an area; Lopez and the two men pulled a shirtless Cruz from the back of a car, beat him and Lopez stabbing him 16 times with a steak knife.
At trial, Rodriguez, who pleaded guilty in 2018 to obstruction of justice and got an 18-month prison term, testified about how Lopez told her where to drive that night and to not turn around after the three men exited the vehicle.
Prosecutors also had a combination of surveillance video from the scene, security video from when the knife was purchased, and Lopez' recorded confession to Elgin police.
Lopez's defense attorneys attacked Rodriguez' credibility, noting she also faced first-degree murder charges and had pleaded guilty on the condition that prosecutors would later throw out the guilty plea if her testimony was satisfactory in the trial.
Defense attorneys also argued that Lopez wanted to tell Cruz to knock it off and go home to his wife, Lopez' "emotions got the best of him" when he opened the car door and saw his ex-girlfriend having sex.
Giacomino is set for trial on May 11.
Gabriel M. Lopez is serving a 25-year prison term after pleading guilty in August 2019.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-11--9 reasons doctors say you should stay calm as coronavirus spreads

The new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is here , but there 's no need to hoard bottled water or buy extra toilet paper , suburban infectious disease experts say .
While the coronavirus is causing infections in the region , doctors say several facts about the illness and the public response can provide reassurance .
Among those urging preparedness over panic are Dr. David Beezhold , medical director of infection control and prevention at Elmhurst Hospital ; Dr. Irfan Hafiz , infectious disease specialist and chief medical officer at Northwestern Medicine hospitals in McHenry , Huntley and Northwestern Woodstock ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infectious disease at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge .
Here are nine reasons they give to stay calm .
1 .
The number of cases is 'not huge . '
The number of worldwide cases of COVID-19 is roughly 113,700 , according to the World Health Organization 's situation tracker , since the virus began spreading in late December in Wuhan , China .
In the U.S. , the number of cases was 647 as of Tuesday afternoon .
Worldwide there have been 4,012 deaths , and in the U.S. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zero deaths , as of Tuesday afternoon .
But context matters , Beezhold said .
And when put in context , the number of coronavirus cases is relatively low , doctors say .
Example : the flu .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there have been 34 million illnesses , 350,000 hospitalizations and 20,000 deaths from influenza this season .
This is not to say it 's time to panic about the flu , but public service announcement courtesy of Hafiz : Get your flu shot .
It 's not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the vaccine provides to help stop the spread of the flu .
Another point of context , the H1N1 , or `` swine flu '' outbreak in 2009 and 2010 caused an estimated 60.8 million cases and 12,469 deaths in the U.S. alone .
`` To constantly say it 's inevitable that it 's going to skyrocket is just not true , '' Beezhold said .
`` It 's not necessarily inevitable with good infection control measures . ''
Remember those two cases of the new coronavirus treated at Amita St. Alexius @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago woman in her 60s who had traveled to China and her husband ?
Those cases were identified Jan. 25 and 31 .
Then a month went by until the region 's next cases were identified in early March .
`` That was two positive cases in that area over a month ago and we have n't seen a significant rise , '' Beezhold said .
News of the illness ' spread slowing at its epicenter in China began as long as a week ago , and the number of new cases discovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fall .
Citronberg and Hafiz said looking to China , Italy and other affected countries can give clues as to what might happen here .
The new coronavirus spreads two ways : From respiratory droplets in the air and from contact with items contaminated by droplets .
When someone who is infected coughs or sneezes , droplets can travel up to 6 feet .
Staying farther than 6 feet away from others -- a strategy called `` social distancing '' in infectious disease lingo -- helps prevent future virus spread from airborne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future spread from contact .
Momentum has turned toward social distancing with organizers canceling conventions and other large gatherings , which doctors say is a smart precaution .
`` We need to prepare , not panic , '' Hafiz said .
The new coronavirus typically causes mild symptoms such as coughing and fever in people who are young and otherwise healthy , though they still can transmit it to others .
Doctors estimate that between 80 % and 85 % of all COVID-19 cases involve no symptoms or mild symptoms from which people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease has an estimated 3 % mortality rate , but that likely could decline as more cases are identified .
`` It 's not going to be the end of civilization , '' Citronberg said .
People 70 or older , or who have chronic conditions or compromised immune systems , are at a higher risk .
`` For young healthy people , the risk of get seriously ill or dying -- while it 's not zero -- it 's pretty low , '' he said .
7 .
A phone call is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have coronavirus hotlines set up or special phone triage protocols to help determine whether someone 's symptoms and travel history indicate they could have contracted the COVID-19 virus .
Even with suspected exposure , if a patient is younger than 70 and otherwise healthy , Hafiz said , the advice likely will be to isolate at home and use the same remedies that help with any other virus .
If symptoms worsen , a call to the doctor remains the first step , as they can coordinate whether testing , treatment or hospitalization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they 're doing .
Toss aside the constant legislative fight about how to pay for health insurance .
Doctors agree , the actual care provided in the U.S. is the best in the world .
Hospitals in the suburbs have infectious disease experts on staff and are coordinating with county health departments , the Illinois Department of Public Health and the CDC to manage response to the new coronavirus and control spread .
This new coronavirus is a member of a family of viruses that can affect people and animals and can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or more severe illnesses .
In general , this class of viruses does n't like the heat .
With time , temperature rise and preventive measures , doctors say , the illness could ease .
`` We are hopeful it will follow the trend of the other coronaviruses and start to dissipate when the weather gets warmer and more humid , '' Citronberg said .

9 reasons doctors say you should stay calm as coronavirus spreads
Dr. Irfan Hafiz, infectious disease specialist and chief medical officer at Northwestern Medicine hospitals in McHenry, Huntley and Northwestern Woodstock, advises people to get their flu shot and wash their hands frequently, but otherwise to go about life as usual and stay calm in light of the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Courtesy of Northwestern Medicine
Dr. Robert Citronberg, director of infectious disease at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, says transmission activity of the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 remains low. There have been 19 cases in Illinois as of Tuesday afternoon. Courtesy of Advocate Aurora Health
The new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is here, but there's no need to hoard bottled water or buy extra toilet paper, suburban infectious disease experts say.
While the coronavirus is causing infections in the region, doctors say several facts about the illness and the public response can provide reassurance.
Among those urging preparedness over panic are Dr. David Beezhold, medical director of infection control and prevention at Elmhurst Hospital; Dr. Irfan Hafiz, infectious disease specialist and chief medical officer at Northwestern Medicine hospitals in McHenry, Huntley and Northwestern Woodstock; and Dr. Robert Citronberg, director of infectious disease at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge.
Here are nine reasons they give to stay calm.
1. The number of cases is 'not huge.'
The number of confirmed worldwide cases of COVID-19 is roughly 118,000, according to the World Health Organization's situation tracker, since the virus began spreading in late December in Wuhan, China. In the U.S., the number of confirmed cases was 1,629 as of Friday afternoon. Worldwide there have been 4,291 deaths, and in the U.S., 41.
Illinois has reported 46 confirmed cases and zero deaths, as of Friday afternoon.
But context matters, Beezhold said. And when put in context, the number of coronavirus cases is relatively low, doctors say.
Example: the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there have been 34 million illnesses, 350,000 hospitalizations and 20,000 deaths from influenza this season.
This is not to say it's time to panic about the flu, but public service announcement courtesy of Hafiz: Get your flu shot. It's not too late for the "herd immunity" the vaccine provides to help stop the spread of the flu.
Another point of context, the H1N1, or "swine flu" outbreak in 2009 and 2010 caused an estimated 60.8 million cases and 12,469 deaths in the U.S. alone.
2. A dramatic rise in cases isn't a given.
"To constantly say it's inevitable that it's going to skyrocket is just not true," Beezhold said. "It's not necessarily inevitable with good infection control measures."
3. Containment is possible.
Remember those two cases of the new coronavirus treated at Amita St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates? A Chicago woman in her 60s who had traveled to China and her husband? Those cases were identified Jan. 25 and 31. Then a month went by until the region's next cases were identified in early March.
"That was two positive cases in that area over a month ago and we haven't seen a significant rise," Beezhold said.
4. Spread is slowing in China.
News of the illness' spread slowing at its epicenter in China began as long as a week ago, and the number of new cases discovered each day in the country has continued to fall. Citronberg and Hafiz said looking to China, Italy and other affected countries can give clues as to what might happen here.
5. Basic prevention measures work.
The new coronavirus spreads two ways: From respiratory droplets in the air and from contact with items contaminated by droplets. When someone who is infected coughs or sneezes, droplets can travel up to 6 feet.
Staying farther than 6 feet away from others -- a strategy called "social distancing" in infectious disease lingo -- helps prevent future virus spread from airborne droplets. And frequent hand-washing helps prevent future spread from contact.
Momentum has turned toward social distancing with organizers canceling conventions and other large gatherings, which doctors say is a smart precaution.
"We need to prepare, not panic," Hafiz said.
6. It's not a death sentence.
The new coronavirus typically causes mild symptoms such as coughing and fever in people who are young and otherwise healthy, though they still can transmit it to others.
Doctors estimate that between 80% and 85% of all COVID-19 cases involve no symptoms or mild symptoms from which people can recover on their own. The disease has an estimated 3% mortality rate, but that likely could decline as more cases are identified.
"It's not going to be the end of civilization," Citronberg said.
People 70 or older, or who have chronic conditions or compromised immune systems, are at a higher risk.
"For young healthy people, the risk of get seriously ill or dying -- while it's not zero -- it's pretty low," he said.
7. A phone call is all it takes.
Feeling sick? Pick up the phone.
Many area hospitals have coronavirus hotlines set up or special phone triage protocols to help determine whether someone's symptoms and travel history indicate they could have contracted the COVID-19 virus.
Even with suspected exposure, if a patient is younger than 70 and otherwise healthy, Hafiz said, the advice likely will be to isolate at home and use the same remedies that help with any other virus.
If symptoms worsen, a call to the doctor remains the first step, as they can coordinate whether testing, treatment or hospitalization is necessary.
8. Hospitals know what they're doing.
Toss aside the constant legislative fight about how to pay for health insurance. Doctors agree, the actual care provided in the U.S. is the best in the world. Hospitals in the suburbs have infectious disease experts on staff and are coordinating with county health departments, the Illinois Department of Public Health and the CDC to manage response to the new coronavirus and control spread.
9. Coronaviruses don't like summer.
This new coronavirus is a member of a family of viruses that can affect people and animals and can cause mild illnesses such as colds, or more severe illnesses. In general, this class of viruses doesn't like the heat. With time, temperature rise and preventive measures, doctors say, the illness could ease.
"We are hopeful it will follow the trend of the other coronaviruses and start to dissipate when the weather gets warmer and more humid," Citronberg said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-12--Coronavirus and suburban, Chicago theaters: Paramount halts 'Secret of My Success,' Marriott cancels

Shortly after Gov .
J.B. Pritzker urged late Thursday that gatherings of more than 250 people be canceled or postponed to combat the spread of COVID-19 and mandated the cancellation of events attracting more than 1,000 people , some of the Chicago area 's largest theaters announced plans to cancel or postpone productions .
In response to Pritzker 's statement , Aurora 's Paramount Theatre announced on Facebook the cancellation of its world-premiere run of `` The Secret of My Success '' based in part on the 1987 film starring Michael J .
Fox , effective Friday , March 13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ credit for a future performance at Paramount Theatre or RiverEdge Park .
Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire followed suit , canceling remaining performances of its revival of `` Grease '' and its young audiences production of `` The Princess and the Pea '' effective Friday , March 13 .
In Chicago , Goodman Theatre suspended all performances beginning Friday , March 13 and continuing until further notice .
That includes `` School Girls ; Or , The African Mean Girls Play '' which was to open Monday , and `` Molly Sweeney , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That opening has been postponed until April 20 .
`` We hope this action will help the nationwide endeavor to contain this devastating virus , '' said artistic director Robert Falls and executive director Roche Schulfer in a joint statement , adding `` ( We ) appreciate our audience and patrons ' understanding and support during these unprecedented times . ''
Ticket holders have the option of receiving a credit toward a future Goodman production or a tax deduction for the total value .
Email BoxOffice @ GoodmanTheatre.org or call ( 312 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Company canceled the remaining performances of `` Bug '' as of Thursday , March 12 and the remaining student and public performances of its young adults production of `` I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter . ''
That includes touring productions to Illinois juvenile justice facilities scheduled to begin March 23 .
LookOut series performances of `` Plano , '' by visiting company First Floor Theater , have also been canceled .
All three productions played to full houses and had standby lists , said artistic director Anna D. Shapiro and executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` There is nothing more gratifying to a theater company than to have the community lined up , literally , to see your work .
Thus , it is with great sorrow , but much anticipation , that we look forward to returning our artists , our staff and surely our community to Steppenwolf where we will continue to navigate the complexities of today together . ''
Steppenwolf representatives will contact ticket holders about exchanges or credit .
Tickets holders can call ( 312 ) 335-1650 or visit steppenwolf.org for information .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ including the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights along with First Folio and Paramount theaters had announced precautions that included installing additional hand sanitizer stations and increasing the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting efforts between performances .
Oak Brook 's First Folio Theatre announced it will offer free ticket exchanges for its upcoming production of `` Little Women '' to ticketholders who are feeling unwell .
Those exchanges will be available up until curtain time for any performance .
Call the box office at ( 630 ) 986-8067 .
Genesee Theatre in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Pritzker 's mandate and postpone events for 30 days .
The post indicates previously purchased tickets will be honored for the new dates once they are announced .
Refunds are available at point of purchase .
Call ( 847 ) 263-6300 for information .
Court Theatre , in its 65th season on the University of Chicago campus , announced the cancellation late Thursday of its upcoming production of `` The Lady from the Sea '' which was to begin previews March 12 .
Artistic director Charles Newell said in a prepared statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ digitally sharing `` The Lady from the Sea '' with audiences to `` honor the passion of the talented artists who have worked tirelessly to bring such a striking and beautiful production to our stage . ''
Court also announced the postponement of its `` An Iliad '' at Chicago 's Oriental Institute until the summer .
Chicago 's Apollo Theater postponed until July 7 its production of `` Be More Chill '' which was scheduled to begin previews next month .
Beginning Monday , March 16 , Apollo representatives will contact those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on how to exchange them for future performances .
Tickets for performances beginning July 7 will be honored .
Contact the box office at ( 773 ) 935-6100 .

Coronavirus and suburban, Chicago theaters: Paramount halts 'Secret of My Success,' Marriott cancels 'Grease'
Steppenwolf Theatre announced Thursday it was canceling all remaining performances of current productions including its revival of ensemble member Tracy Letts' "Bug" starring Carrie Coon and Namir Smalwood. Courtesy of Michael Brosilow
Marriott Theatre announced late Thursday it will cancel remaining performances of its revival of "Grease" in response to Gov. J.B. Pritzker's call to limit large gatherings as a way to limit the spread of COVID-19. Courtesy of Liz Lauren
Paramount Theatre in Aurora announced late Thursday that it will cancel performances of its premiere musical "The Secret of My Success" starring Billy Harrigan Tighe as Brantley Foster, a Minnesota native who tries to make in New York's corporate world. Courtesy of Liz Lauren/Paramount Theatre
Shortly after Gov. J.B. Pritzker urged late Thursday that gatherings of more than 250 people be canceled or postponed to combat the spread of COVID-19 and mandated the cancellation of events attracting more than 1,000 people, some of the Chicago area's largest theaters announced plans to cancel or postpone productions.
In response to Pritzker's statement, Aurora's Paramount Theatre announced on Facebook the cancellation of its world-premiere run of "The Secret of My Success" based in part on the 1987 film starring Michael J. Fox, effective Friday, March 13.
Ticket holders will receive an account credit for a future performance at Paramount Theatre or RiverEdge Park.
Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire followed suit, canceling remaining performances of its revival of "Grease" and its young audiences production of "The Princess and the Pea" effective Friday, March 13.
In Chicago, Goodman Theatre suspended all performances beginning Friday, March 13 and continuing until further notice. That includes "School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play" which was to open Monday, and "Molly Sweeney," scheduled to begin previews later this month. That opening has been postponed until April 20.
"We hope this action will help the nationwide endeavor to contain this devastating virus," said artistic director Robert Falls and executive director Roche Schulfer in a joint statement, adding "(We) appreciate our audience and patrons' understanding and support during these unprecedented times."
Ticket holders have the option of receiving a credit toward a future Goodman production or a tax deduction for the total value. Email BoxOffice@GoodmanTheatre.org or call (312) 443.3800 for information.
Steppenwolf Theatre Company canceled the remaining performances of "Bug" as of Thursday, March 12 and the remaining student and public performances of its young adults production of "I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter." That includes touring productions to Illinois juvenile justice facilities scheduled to begin March 23.
LookOut series performances of "Plano," by visiting company First Floor Theater, have also been canceled.
All three productions played to full houses and had standby lists, said artistic director Anna D. Shapiro and executive director David Schmitz in a prepared statement.
"There is nothing more gratifying to a theater company than to have the community lined up, literally, to see your work. Thus, it is with great sorrow, but much anticipation, that we look forward to returning our artists, our staff and surely our community to Steppenwolf where we will continue to navigate the complexities of today together."
Steppenwolf representatives will contact ticket holders about exchanges or credit. Tickets holders can call (312) 335-1650 or visit steppenwolf.org for information.
Before Pritzker's announcement, suburban theaters including the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights along with First Folio and Paramount theaters had announced precautions that included installing additional hand sanitizer stations and increasing the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting efforts between performances.
Oak Brook's First Folio Theatre announced it will offer free ticket exchanges for its upcoming production of "Little Women" to ticketholders who are feeling unwell. Those exchanges will be available up until curtain time for any performance. Call the box office at (630) 986-8067.
Genesee Theatre in Waukegan announced on Facebook it would comply with Pritzker's mandate and postpone events for 30 days. The post indicates previously purchased tickets will be honored for the new dates once they are announced. Refunds are available at point of purchase. Call (847) 263-6300 for information.
Court Theatre, in its 65th season on the University of Chicago campus, announced the cancellation late Thursday of its upcoming production of "The Lady from the Sea" which was to begin previews March 12.
Artistic director Charles Newell said in a prepared statement that Court will explore the possibility of digitally sharing "The Lady from the Sea" with audiences to "honor the passion of the talented artists who have worked tirelessly to bring such a striking and beautiful production to our stage."
Court also announced the postponement of its "An Iliad" at Chicago's Oriental Institute until the summer.
Chicago's Apollo Theater postponed until July 7 its production of "Be More Chill" which was scheduled to begin previews next month.
Beginning Monday, March 16, Apollo representatives will contact those holding tickets through July 6 with information on how to exchange them for future performances. Tickets for performances beginning July 7 will be honored. Contact the box office at (773) 935-6100.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-12--Prosecutors: teen planned 'Day of Wrath' at Batavia High School

A Batavia High School student charged with terrorism and possession of bomb-making materials had a `` manifesto '' at his parents ' house in which he referenced Hitler , Nazis and other hate groups and wrote of a `` Day of Wrath '' when he hoped to kill at least 12 people , injure more than 30 and traumatize over 300 , Kane County prosecutors said .
`` He was detained shortly after law enforcement interrupted his plan to commit mass murder at Batavia High School , '' Assistant State 's Attorney Bridget Sabbia said Thursday during a juvenile court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contents found after the teen 's arrest .
Prosecutors are seeking to have the former student , who is 16 now but was 15 when arrested , transferred to adult court .
A hearing is set for May 15 .
If the case is moved to adult court , he could face 20 years to up to life in prison if convicted of the most severe charge of terrorism .
He also faces several felonies , including possession of incendiary devices and an attempted hate crime .
If the case remains in juvenile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he can be held in a state juvenile facility until his 21st birthday .
No one was injured at the high school and no bombs were found .
Bomb-making materials and other explosive compounds were found during a Nov. 26 search of his bedroom at his parents ' Batavia house on the 1100 block of Davey Drive , authorities said .
A science supply store notified the FBI of suspicious purchases , and federal authorities worked with Batavia police and the Kane County Bomb Squad .
Sabbia 's comments came during a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to `` any and all materials written , drawn or created '' by the teen at the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center , where he 's been held without bond since his arrest .
Sabbia did not explicitly say what the teen 's alleged plan entailed .
Prosecutors also want access to his school work , writings and drawings from school .
Defense attorney Gary Johnson argued the request was `` overbroad , '' an invasion of his client 's privacy and an overall `` fishing expedition . ''
But Sabbia argued the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teen 's `` knowledge and ability '' to carry out his plan .
Sabbia said that while the teen has been held at the juvenile center , officials found a diary in his cell that contained `` concerning phrases '' and diagrams similar to those in the document found at his parents ' house .

Prosecutors: Teen planned 'Day of Wrath' at Batavia High School; manifesto referenced Hitler, Nazis
Kane County prosecutors said Thursday a 16-year-old charged with terrorism and possession of incendiary devices had a "manifesto" in which he talked about a "Day of Wrath" at Batavia High School and hoped to kill at least 12 people, injure more than 30 and traumatize 300. Harry Hitzeman/Daily Herald file
A Batavia High School student charged with terrorism and possession of bomb-making materials had a "manifesto" at his parents' house in which he referenced Hitler, Nazis and other hate groups and wrote of a "Day of Wrath" when he hoped to kill at least 12 people, injure more than 30 and traumatize over 300, Kane County prosecutors said.
"He was detained shortly after law enforcement interrupted his plan to commit mass murder at Batavia High School," Assistant State's Attorney Bridget Sabbia said Thursday during a juvenile court hearing when she detailed some of the contents found after the teen's arrest.
Prosecutors are seeking to have the former student, who is 16 now but was 15 when arrested, transferred to adult court. A hearing is set for May 15.
If the case is moved to adult court, he could face 20 years to up to life in prison if convicted of the most severe charge of terrorism. He also faces several felonies, including possession of incendiary devices and an attempted hate crime.
If the case remains in juvenile court and the teen is found guilty, he can be held in a state juvenile facility until his 21st birthday.
No one was injured at the high school and no bombs were found. Bomb-making materials and other explosive compounds were found during a Nov. 26 search of his bedroom at his parents' Batavia house on the 1100 block of Davey Drive, authorities said. A science supply store notified the FBI of suspicious purchases, and federal authorities worked with Batavia police and the Kane County Bomb Squad.
Sabbia's comments came during a hearing on whether authorities should have access to "any and all materials written, drawn or created" by the teen at the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center, where he's been held without bond since his arrest.
Sabbia did not explicitly say what the teen's alleged plan entailed.
Prosecutors also want access to his school work, writings and drawings from school.
Defense attorney Gary Johnson argued the request was "overbroad," an invasion of his client's privacy and an overall "fishing expedition."
But Sabbia argued the subpoena request was relevant to show the teen's "knowledge and ability" to carry out his plan.
Sabbia said that while the teen has been held at the juvenile center, officials found a diary in his cell that contained "concerning phrases" and diagrams similar to those in the document found at his parents' house.
Kane County Judge Kathryn Karayannis granted the state's request over Johnson's objection.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-13--Pritzker: All K-12 schools must close starting Tuesday through March 30

Gov .
J.B. Pritzker has just announced in his daily briefing that all schools , kindergarten through 12th grade , will close Tuesday for two weeks .
Both public and private schools are included .
School closings are `` the right thing to do to protect our students and teachers , '' Pritkzer said .
`` Let me be clear , I understand the gravity of this action and what it means for every community in our state . ''
He also asked Illinoisans to hunker down .
`` Please this weekend stay home , '' Pritzker said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- do n't .
This is n't forever ... it 's a sacrifice in the short term . ''
`` Building on state guidance issued yesterday to promote social distancing and minimize the spread of COVID-19 in our communities , Governor JB Pritzker announced that the state of Illinois will close all schools from March 17 through March 30 and implement additional economic measures to reduce the burden on Illinois families , '' a statement from the governor 's office says .
`` As of now , day care centers will remain open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidance . ''
State officials also announced 14 new cases of COVID-19 , bringing the tally up to 46 .
Of those cases , one is in Lake County and the remainder are in Chicago and suburban Cook County .
`` We can no longer count on the federal government to lead in this unprecedented situation , '' the governor said earlier .
Earlier in the day , waves of public and parochial schools across the suburbs and throughout the greater Chicago area announced they wo n't hold classes next week , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the community .
The Chicago and Rockford archdioceses , and Maine Township High School District 207 , Northwest Suburban High School District 214 , Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 , Barrington Area Unit District 220 , among the suburbs ' largest public school districts , announced Friday they 'll be closed and have canceled classes and activities .
They were joined by their elementary feeder districts and other districts large and small .
Many planned to implement e-learning days starting next week for the foreseeable future .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ some students because of Election Day .
McHenry County College and Harper College also said they wo n't hold classes .
The Archdiocese of Chicago characterized its closure of the Catholic schools it operates in Cook and Lake counties as `` temporary , '' rather than committing to a particular amount of time .
But officials noted that Catholic schools within their boundaries that they do n't operate -- such as those sponsored by particular religious orders -- will make their own decisions individually about closings .
Archdiocese officials also noted the Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coordinating extended support to families and students most in need , while academic work will be expected to be completed through electronic or alternative learning .
District 214 Superintendent David Schuler said he made the decision to cancel classes `` out of an abundance of caution and in consultation with medical professionals and area school district leaders . ''
Monday will be an Institute Day for all staff , followed by the use of the district 's four emergency days Tuesday through Friday , when all six high schools will be closed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ spring break on Monday , March 30 , but students were told Friday to bring all materials home with them that they may need to complete e-learning coursework in the event the district ca n't later hold face-to-face class instruction .
Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 Superintendent Dan Cates outlined his district 's plans for e-learning in a letter to parents and students Friday .
`` With e-learning days , we are making every effort to deliver quality learning experiences and maintain the connection and care that our educators and staff members provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` E-learning will provide opportunities for students to remain engaged in their learning and with our staff members during a challenging period that could extend beyond a couple of days . ''
In District 220 , officials said school would be in session `` virtually '' Monday through Thursday with distance learning .
Some school officials noted Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's directive to limit social contact and refrain from events with more than 1,000 people .
Schuler added that Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights has treated patients with confirmed cases of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Thursday news conference , said stretching that spread out over a longer period of time will allow medical providers time they need to address each patient instead of being swamped with a flurry of cases at the same time .
District 214 on Thursday already announced the cancellation of co-curricular activities , field trips and tours .
Other districts that had announced closures beginning at some point next week include :

Pritzker: All K-12 schools must close starting Tuesday through March 30
Gov. J.B. Pritzker, along with elected and health officials give their daily update on the COVID-19 coronavirus on Friday. Tyler LaRiviere/Chicago Sun-Times via AP
Life is shifting rapidly -- in the short term -- for thousands of Illinois students and their families as schools close to tamp down the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
During a Friday briefing, Gov. J.B. Pritzker ordered all kindergarten through 12th-grade public and private schools to close effective Tuesday until March 30.
School closings are "the right thing to do to protect our students and teachers," Pritkzer said. "Let me be clear, I understand the gravity of this action and what it means for every community in our state. All of these choices have cascading effects."
The move came on the heels of major players like the Chicago and Rockford archdioceses, Maine Township High School District 207, Northwest Suburban High School District 214, Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 and Barrington Area Unit District 220 already making that call.
District 214 Superintendent David Schuler said he made the decision to cancel classes "out of an abundance of caution and in consultation with medical professionals and area school district leaders."
Fourteen new cases of COVID-19, a respiratory disease that can cause pneumonia, were also detailed Friday -- nine in Chicago, four in Cook County and one in Lake County.
When healthy people under 60 contract COVID-19, their cases are usually mild and children do not seem as susceptible to the disease, current research shows.
"This is critical part of our larger social distancing efforts. In addition to kids with immunocompromised systems, we have teachers, administrators, parents and the larger population to consider," Pritzker said.
Reducing the curve of the disease -- slowing the rate of transmission to avoid an overwhelming surge in cases -- will help hospitals and health care workers from being overburdened, officials said.
State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carmen I. Ayala called the epidemic "an unprecedented event in our lifetime, and we will get through this together. I want our teachers, our students, and our families to know that the Illinois State Board of Education is open and is here to help."
The Illinois Federation of Teachers also released a statement in support of Pritzker's move -- and criticizing preceding lawmakers' actions.
"This is an historic and difficult decision, but it is the responsible action to ensure the health of our students, faculty, staff, and communities," it said. "Teachers are creating learning opportunities to keep children engaged and minimize any learning loss, but COVID-19 has revealed deeper issues that need to be addressed. The austerity budgeting of the last years is coming home to roost and now we are paying a public health price. We must learn from this."
The state has also committed to providing meals for children on the free lunch program through delivery or parent pickup.
While some school districts plunged into e-learning plans and promised parents more details later, others appeared ready to go.
Tuesday is already a scheduled off-day for some students because of Election Day.
McHenry County College said it won't hold classes. Harper College is moving its classes to off-campus flexible learning. Other schools are in the midst of March break holidays, which partly eases the transition.
The Archdiocese of Chicago characterized its closure of the Catholic schools it operates in Cook and Lake counties as "temporary," rather than committing to a particular amount of time.
Archdiocese officials noted the Office of Catholic Schools and other leaders are coordinating extended support to families and students most in need, while academic work will be expected to be completed through electronic or alternative learning.
District 211 Superintendent Dan Cates outlined his district's plans for e-learning in a letter to parents and students Friday.
"With e-learning days, we are making every effort to deliver quality learning experiences and maintain the connection and care that our educators and staff members provide our students," Cates said.
"E-learning will provide opportunities for students to remain engaged in their learning and with our staff members during a challenging period that could extend beyond a couple of days."
• Daily Herald Staff Writer Marni Pyke contributed to this story.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-13--14 new coronavirus cases in the Chicago area -- one in Lake County

Gov .
J.B. Pritzker announced 14 more COVID-19 coronavirus cases in the state Friday , all in the Chicago area .
Dr. Ngozi Ezike , director of the state Department of Public Health , said all but one of the cases are in the Chicago-Cook County area , with that other one being in Lake County .
The announcement came in Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's daily briefing , in which he ordered all K-12 schools in the state closed for two weeks starting Tuesday .
The briefing occurred a day after the govenor ordered all events with 250 or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort to tamp down the spread of the disease that can cause pneumonia .
The coronavirus , which originated in China , was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on Wednesday .
People who are healthy and under age 60 who contract COVID-19 are likely to experience symptoms similar to the common cold or flu .
Adults 60 and older or people with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk of suffering serious illness if infected , the Centers for Disease Control cautions .
Illinois authorities urged residents to stay follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get a flu shot if you have n't already .

14 new coronavirus cases in the Chicago area, including one in Lake County
Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the state Department of Public Health, speaks during a daily update on the coronavirus situation in Illinois, Friday in Chicago. Tyler LaRiviere/Chicago Sun-Times via AP
With 14 more coronavirus-related cases in the state Friday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced seismic actions including closing schools temporarily and urging Illinoisans to stay home this weekend to prevent the disease's spread.
The tally of COVID-19 illnesses caused by the virus now stands at 46. One of the new cases is in Lake County, four are in Cook County, and nine are in Chicago, Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike said.
Pritzker's daily briefing occurred the same day President Donald Trump declared a national emergency but "we have long since passed the moment when we could count on the federal government to lead in the face of this unprecedented situation," the governor said in a stinging rebuke.
He also asked residents to "please this weekend -- if you can -- stay home," to tamp down the spread of the contagious disease. On Thursday, he recommended that all events with 250 or more people be canceled or postponed, and mandated it for events of 1,000 or more.
"If you are able to telework, do so. If you don't have to travel, don't," Pritzker said Friday.
"This isn't forever; this is a sacrifice in the short-term to help our hospitals, our health care workers and testing laboratories, and our elderly and vulnerable populations."
Ages of the 14 new patients range from people in their 20s to 90s.
The latest Lake County case is a woman in her 50s who traveled internationally before becoming ill, a Lake County Health Department spokeswoman said. No other details were disclosed, to protect the patient's privacy.
Public health officials are investigating if the newly diagnosed patients traveled to countries with COVID-19 epidemics or were exposed to known cases.
"Like it or not, this virus is here in Illinois and it will continue to spread," Ezike said.
"If we can decrease the rate at which we are seeing new infections, fewer people will be ill at the same time, which will help us to prevent the overwhelming of our health care system."
One of the patients from Cook County diagnosed with the virus before Friday is being treated at Elmhurst Hospital, Edward-Elmhurst spokesman Keith Hartenberger confirmed Friday. The patient, a woman in her 70s, is in serious condition, Hartenberger said.
Several Chicago research hospitals are developing their own tests for COVID-19 and those are going through a rapid FDA approval process, Pritzker said. "It's still not enough. The federal government needs to step up" and provide more tests, he said.
Public and private K-12 schools will close from Tuesday through March 30. Day-care centers will remain open for now but under "strict health and safety guidance," officials said.
Of the 46 cases in Illinois, a large majority are recovering with no deaths reported; 94% of patients are in the hospital or at home in isolation.
Pritzker also said he's working with utilities to prevent any service shutdowns involving people affected by COVID-19.
People who are healthy and under age 60 who contract COVID-19 are likely to experience symptoms similar to the common cold or flu.
Adults 60 and older or people with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk of suffering serious illness if infected, the Centers for Disease Control cautions.
Illinois authorities urged residents to follow common-sense precautions like frequently washing hands for 20 seconds at a time and to get a flu shot if you haven't already.