dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-12--NCAA cancels men's and women's basketball tournaments

The NCAA has canceled its men 's and women 's basketball tournaments because of the spread of coronavirus , putting @ @ @ @ @ season less than a month before champions were to be crowned .
The decision comes @ @ @ @ @ announced the games that were scheduled to start next week would go on , but @ @ @ @ @ .
That plan was scrapped as every major American sports league from the NBA to @ @ @ @ @ its season due to concerns about the pandemic .
The NCAA canceled all of its @ @ @ @ @ , which include hockey , baseball and lacrosse .

NCAA cancels men's and women's basketball tournaments
March Madness came to a screeching halt before a bracket could even be filled out.
The NCAA canceled its men's and women's basketball tournaments Thursday because of the spread of coronavirus, putting an abrupt end to the season less than a month before champions were to be crowned.
The unprecedented move comes a day after the NCAA announced the games that were scheduled to start next week would go on, but played in mostly empty arenas. That plan was scrapped as every major American sports league from the NBA to MLB put the brakes on its season due to concerns about the pandemic.
"This decision is based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to the spread of the pandemic and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during the academic year given the ongoing decisions by other entities," the NCAA said in statement.
The NCAA canceled championships in every spring sport, which include hockey, baseball and lacrosse.
The stunning end to the major college basketball season came about four hours after a frantic morning when conference tournaments around the country came to a sudden stop. Moments away from tipoff at some arenas, and minutes apart, each Power Five conference -- the Atlantic Coast, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12 and Southeastern conferences -- canceled its remaining games.
At Madison Square Garden in New York, the Big East game between Creighton and St. John's did start, but at halftime the conference called off that game and all the rest. Turns out that was the last Division I basketball to be played this season.
"This has been the most extraordinary stretch of days I've ever had or ever seen in my 30-plus years of working in the sports business," Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman said.
Smaller conferences followed suit, shutting down their tournaments, and within a few hours 58 men's games scheduled in 16 conferences had been canceled.
Then the conferences began shutting down all athletic activities, for at least a few weeks like the SEC, or indefinitely like the ACC.
A few hours later, the NCAA put an end to it all.
"So you telling me I transferred to not play in the tournament," tweeted Gonzaga point guard Ryan Woolridge, a graduate transfer from North Texas. Gonzaga was expected to be a No. 1 NCAA Tournament seed and play a possible second-round game in its home city of Spokane, Washington.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the virus.
According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.
The NCAA men's basketball tournament has been played every year since 1939 when Oregon won the championship in Evanston, Illinois. It has grown through the years, both in size and stature. The three-week tournament generates almost a billion dollars in revenue each year for the NCAA and its hundreds of member schools. Most of the money comes from a television contract with CBS and Turner that pays the NCAA almost $800 million annually. Earlier this week, NCAA President Mark Emmert told The Associated Press that the NCAA had insurance to cover a business stoppage but gave no details.
The men's tournament is now one of the biggest events in American sports, a basketball marathon of buzzer-beaters, upsets and thrills involving 68 teams from schools big and small.
"While we are obviously disappointed that our season has ended abruptly, we also recognize that this decision was made for a greater good," said coach Casey Alexander, who led Belmont, a private university with 6,000 students in Nashville, Tennessee, to the Ohio Valley Conference championship and a spot in the NCAA Tournament earlier this week.
The field for the men's tournament was scheduled to be announced Sunday, creating the famous bracket sports fans obsess over in office pools and at sportsbooks.
"I respect the NCAA's decision to put everyone's safety first," Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley tweeted. "That said, every team deserves recognition for their season's success. Brackets should still be announced on Selection Sunday."
The 64-team women's field was to be revealed Monday. The NCAA women's tournament began in 1982 and it, too, has become a big event, raising the profile of the sport.
"I'm disappointed, but I totally understand. I really feel for the senior student-athletes; every student athlete, but particularly the seniors because this is their last chance for the fans," said Oregon women's coach Kelly Graves, whose team would have entered the tournament as one of the favorites to reach the Final Four in New Orleans. "There's something more important than the games going on. I've kind of come to grips with that a little more than a few hours ago."
Games would have started on the men's side on Tuesday in Dayton, Ohio, before spreading out to eight sites from coast-to-coast from next Thursday through Sunday. The women's tournament was scheduled to begin March 20, with first- and second-round games to be played at 16 sites on or near the campuses of the top teams.
For Baylor, the potential was there for two national championships. The Bears are ranked fifth in the latest men's AP Top 25 and the women's team is No. 2 and the defending NCAA champs.
"We've got some great kids and they're handling it really well, but some of our seniors are really distraught," Baylor athletic director Mack Rhoades said. "This was their last shot."
The men's Final Four was to be played April 4 and 6 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The semifinal and final games typically pack football stadiums, and after the champion is crowned the highlights of the year's tournament are wrapped up into the "One Shining Moment" montage that has become a staple of CBS' coverage.
Not this year.
March Madness has taken on a different meaning as sports have virtually shut down.
AP Sports Writer Teresa Walker in Nashville, Tennessee, and AP Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg in New York contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-12--Business leaders: Illinois must address 'child care crisis'

Area business leaders are calling on Illinois policymakers to improve access to child care after a new report shows a lack of infant and toddler care is costing the state economy more than $ 2 billion a year .
The report from ReadyNation -- a nonprofit , nonpartisan network of business executives -- found that working parents with children ages 3 and younger often face difficulties finding affordable , high-quality child care .
As a result , working parents are losing an estimated $ 1.6 billion annually because of diminished earnings and the cost of finding alternative care for their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the report .
Businesses , meanwhile , are losing an estimated $ 559 million a year due to reduced productivity and the cost of rehiring and covering for absent employees .
In addition , the report estimates that $ 294 million in federal tax revenue is lost .
`` Clearly , the child care crisis is a significant drain on our economy , '' said Jessica Linder Gallo , president and CEO of the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce .
`` But the good news is we know ways to fix it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ She was among a group of ReadyNation members who gathered Thursday at the Aurora Early Learning Center for a news conference announcing the release of the report entitled `` Strengthen Child Care , Grow Illinois ' Economy . ''
Paula Schmidt , president of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce , says a majority of the businesses in Geneva are small to medium size , including mom-and-pop retail stores and locally owned restaurants .
`` You 're looking at service industries that usually have under 10 employees , '' Schmidt said .
`` So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their employees are at work and engaged . ''
She said finding high-quality and affordable child care `` is the utmost importance to many of our employees and the employers that are in Geneva and the whole area here . ''
Illinois historically has taken a number of positive steps for working families in need of child care and `` for employers who are in need of a stable workforce , '' according to Schmidt .
`` We 've shown we could enact good policies and practices here in Illinois , '' Schmidt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue on that path . ''
Sean Noble , Illinois state director for ReadyNation , said the group is hoping state lawmakers will continue to improve the quality of -- and working families ' access to -- child care and early learning programs .
For example , ReadyNation says Illinois should further boost investments in prekindergarten , child care , and birth-to-3 services .
Also , the state should strengthen the postsecondary education pipeline for training early childhood teachers and professionals , as well as boosting their compensation .
Another recommendation is for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacity of infant and toddler care .
Noble said ReadyNation wants policymakers to understand that these are important issues for children , their parents , the parents ' employers and the economy .
`` It 's clear that our economy depends upon a stable , productive workforce , '' Noble said .
`` And a well-functioning workforce hinges in large part on the strength of early care and education in Illinois . ''

Business leaders: Illinois must address 'child care crisis'
Area business leaders are calling on Illinois policymakers to improve access to child care after a new report shows a lack of infant and toddler care is costing the state economy more than $2 billion a year.
The report from ReadyNation -- a nonprofit, nonpartisan network of business executives -- found that working parents with children ages 3 and younger often face difficulties finding affordable, high-quality child care.
As a result, working parents are losing an estimated $1.6 billion annually because of diminished earnings and the cost of finding alternative care for their kids during work hours, according to the report.
Businesses, meanwhile, are losing an estimated $559 million a year due to reduced productivity and the cost of rehiring and covering for absent employees. In addition, the report estimates that $294 million in federal tax revenue is lost.
"Clearly, the child care crisis is a significant drain on our economy," said Jessica Linder Gallo, president and CEO of the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce. "But the good news is we know ways to fix it. We need to do them."
She was among a group of ReadyNation members who gathered Thursday at the Aurora Early Learning Center for a news conference announcing the release of the report entitled "Strengthen Child Care, Grow Illinois' Economy."
Paula Schmidt, president of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, says a majority of the businesses in Geneva are small to medium size, including mom-and-pop retail stores and locally owned restaurants.
"You're looking at service industries that usually have under 10 employees," Schmidt said. "So it's important to these businesses that their employees are at work and engaged."
She said finding high-quality and affordable child care "is the utmost importance to many of our employees and the employers that are in Geneva and the whole area here."
Illinois historically has taken a number of positive steps for working families in need of child care and "for employers who are in need of a stable workforce," according to Schmidt.
"We've shown we could enact good policies and practices here in Illinois," Schmidt said. "So we need to continue on that path."
Sean Noble, Illinois state director for ReadyNation, said the group is hoping state lawmakers will continue to improve the quality of -- and working families' access to -- child care and early learning programs.
For example, ReadyNation says Illinois should further boost investments in prekindergarten, child care, and birth-to-3 services. Also, the state should strengthen the postsecondary education pipeline for training early childhood teachers and professionals, as well as boosting their compensation.
Another recommendation is for the state to focus on increasing the capacity of infant and toddler care.
Noble said ReadyNation wants policymakers to understand that these are important issues for children, their parents, the parents' employers and the economy.
"It's clear that our economy depends upon a stable, productive workforce," Noble said. "And a well-functioning workforce hinges in large part on the strength of early care and education in Illinois."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-12--Online shopping at the food pantry? Woodridge facility renovations will allow for it

Online shopping is the grocery convenience on which many customers have come to rely , and now it 's coming to a food pantry in Woodridge .
In the world of food banks , online shopping is a new thing , and West Suburban Community Pantry aims to be the first in DuPage County to offer it .
The pantry is in the midst of a fundraising campaign to support $ 600,000 worth of renovations to its client service and warehouse space at 6809 Hobson Valley Drive , Suite 118 .
From there , the organization supports people in parts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bolingbrook , Darien , Downers Grove , Romeoville , Westmont , Willowbrook and Woodridge with full grocery orders twice a month and staples such as produce , bread , milk and eggs every week .
Laura Coyle , executive director , said the renovations will provide a new back door for online order pickup as well as a better layout for the inventory control online shopping requires .
The work also will expand the waiting area , add private intake rooms , move staff offices to a separate facility nearby and create a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shopping space for faster restocking .
`` We 're hoping to have more capacity for just about everything we do , '' Coyle said .
The pantry , in fact , hopes to double the number of people it serves by 2030 to reach 14,800 a year through its `` Access 2020 : Building Capacity , Breaking Down Barriers '' campaign .
The campaign has raised $ 450,000 toward renovation costs so far , Coyle said , and the pantry aims to bring in the remaining $ 150,000 -- or more -- by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in June .
To donate , visit https : //wscpantry.org/access2020/ .
`` Our goal is to break down barriers for people who would n't necessarily come to a food pantry on their own , '' Coyle said .
`` We know there 's a percentage of the population in need who wo n't come forward . ''
Whether their reasons for staying away are emotional -- pride , fear -- or practical -- time , transportation , child care -- the pantry wants to reach people who need more food but are n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service is one way the pantry hopes to break down the pride barrier so clients wo n't have to walk the warehouse floor with a volunteer and admit , in person , they 're in need .
`` We 're trying to make it as convenient for people as regular grocery shopping is now , '' Coyle said .
Since last year , the organization has been testing the service with residents of transitional housing provided by the Glen Ellyn-based nonprofit Bridge Communities , which helps people reach self-sufficiency after homelessness .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led by Feeding American in which West Suburban Community Pantry and two others across the nation were chosen to study the barriers to food sufficiency .
Coyle said participants have been able to use a website to choose the foods they need , then pick them up at a set time at Bridge Communities apartment complexes .
Online shopping is set to be available to the public in need by the end of the month , Coyle said , with pickup at the pantry headquarters or at designated neighborhood sites .
Aside from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently launched its first in-school pantry at Irene King Elementary in Romeoville .
It also operates mobile pantries that deliver to Bolingbrook , Romeoville and Willowbrook and makes deliveries to seniors .

Online shopping at the food pantry? Woodridge facility renovations will allow for it
Online shopping is the grocery convenience on which many customers have come to rely, and now it's coming to a food pantry in Woodridge.
In the world of food banks, online shopping is a new thing, and West Suburban Community Pantry aims to be the first in DuPage County to offer it.
The pantry is in the midst of a fundraising campaign to support $600,000 worth of renovations to its client service and warehouse space at 6809 Hobson Valley Drive, Suite 118. From there, the organization supports people in parts of Lisle and Naperville as well as Bolingbrook, Darien, Downers Grove, Romeoville, Westmont, Willowbrook and Woodridge with full grocery orders twice a month and staples such as produce, bread, milk and eggs every week.
Laura Coyle, executive director, said the renovations will provide a new back door for online order pickup as well as a better layout for the inventory control online shopping requires. The work also will expand the waiting area, add private intake rooms, move staff offices to a separate facility nearby and create a door between the storage area and pantry shopping space for faster restocking.
"We're hoping to have more capacity for just about everything we do," Coyle said.
The pantry, in fact, hopes to double the number of people it serves by 2030 to reach 14,800 a year through its "Access 2020: Building Capacity, Breaking Down Barriers" campaign.
The campaign has raised $450,000 toward renovation costs so far, Coyle said, and the pantry aims to bring in the remaining $150,000 -- or more -- by the time work is scheduled to start in June. To donate, visit https://wscpantry.org/access2020/.
"Our goal is to break down barriers for people who wouldn't necessarily come to a food pantry on their own," Coyle said. "We know there's a percentage of the population in need who won't come forward."
Whether their reasons for staying away are emotional -- pride, fear -- or practical -- time, transportation, child care -- the pantry wants to reach people who need more food but aren't receiving it.
The new online shopping service is one way the pantry hopes to break down the pride barrier so clients won't have to walk the warehouse floor with a volunteer and admit, in person, they're in need.
"We're trying to make it as convenient for people as regular grocery shopping is now," Coyle said.
Since last year, the organization has been testing the service with residents of transitional housing provided by the Glen Ellyn-based nonprofit Bridge Communities, which helps people reach self-sufficiency after homelessness.
The pilot program was part of an initiative led by Feeding American in which West Suburban Community Pantry and two others across the nation were chosen to study the barriers to food sufficiency.
Coyle said participants have been able to use a website to choose the foods they need, then pick them up at a set time at Bridge Communities apartment complexes.
Online shopping is set to be available to the public in need by the end of the month, Coyle said, with pickup at the pantry headquarters or at designated neighborhood sites.
Aside from the new online option, the organization recently launched its first in-school pantry at Irene King Elementary in Romeoville. It also operates mobile pantries that deliver to Bolingbrook, Romeoville and Willowbrook and makes deliveries to seniors.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-12--NHL suspends season due to coronavirus

NHL suspends season due to coronavirus

The NHL season is officially on hold .
Less than 24 hours after the NBA suspended its season due to one of its players contracting the coronavirus , the NHL followed suit Thursday and halted operations until further notice .
A statement from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman read , in part : `` Following last night 's news that an NBA player has tested positive for coronavirus -- and given that our leagues share so many facilities and locker rooms and it now seems likely that some member of the NHL community would test positive at some point -- it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to play games at this time . ''
The statement went on to say that the league is hoping to `` resume play as soon as it is appropriate '' so that the Stanley Cup can be awarded .
What this means is that the Blackhawks will not play their games against Ottawa at the United Center on Friday or at Washington on Saturday .
Two games against Minnesota next week , another at Buffalo on March 21 and another at home against Nashville on March 22 are unlikely to be played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ league in which the Rockford IceHogs and Chicago Wolves play -- is also expected to suspend its operations .
The USHL , where the Chicago Steel plays , did suspend operations .
Here 's what Duncan Keith said after the Hawks ' 6-2 victory over San Jose at the United Center on Wednesday : `` I really do n't know what to think to be honest with ya .
This is a first for us to be in this situation .
You kind of have to leave it up to some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on what they feel is best and have faith that they know what they 're doing .
`` You never want to see anybody -- let alone an athlete or an NBA player -- have to go through it .
Seems to be more and more people seem to be getting affected by it . ''
The NBA 's decision to suspend its season came after Utah 's Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday .
If no more regular-season games are played , it creates a conundrum in terms of how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ postseason .
Anything and everything is reportedly on the table , including : • Allowing four more teams into the postseason , which would create a play-in round for the 7-10 seeds .
• Another suggestion was to give the top four teams in each conference byes , and having the 5-12 seeds play a best-of-three series .
• When there are eight teams remaining in each conference , make all playoff series best-of-five until the Stanley Cup Final , which would remain best-of-seven .

NHL suspends season due to coronavirus
Less than 24 hours after the NBA suspended its season due to one of its players contracting the coronavirus, the NHL followed suit Thursday and halted operations until further notice. Associated Press
The NHL season is officially on hold.
Less than 24 hours after the NBA suspended its season due to one of its players contracting the coronavirus, the NHL followed suit Thursday and halted operations until further notice.
A statement from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman read, in part: "Following last night's news that an NBA player has tested positive for coronavirus -- and given that our leagues share so many facilities and locker rooms and it now seems likely that some member of the NHL community would test positive at some point -- it is no longer appropriate to try to continue to play games at this time."
The statement went on to say that the league is hoping to "resume play as soon as it is appropriate" so that the Stanley Cup can be awarded. If play resumes it's possible the postseason could run into July.
What this means is that the Blackhawks almost certainly will not play their scheduled games for at least the next two weeks.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said at a news conference Thursday afternoon that he asked all of Chicago's major sports owners to cancel all of their games or play without spectators until May 1.
"All of the owners that I spoke with told me that they completely understood and were more than willing to comply with this guidance," Pritzker said. "I want to thank them, for putting the health and safety of the residents of our state above all else."
A Hawks spokesman respectfully passed on a request to speak with a player, coach Jeremy Colliton, GM Stan Bowman and/or President and CEO John McDonough.
The AHL -- the league in which the Rockford IceHogs and Chicago Wolves play -- also suspended operations, as did the USHL, where the Chicago Steel plays.
Here's what Duncan Keith said after the Hawks' 6-2 victory over San Jose at the United Center on Wednesday: "I really don't know what to think to be honest with (you). This is a first for us to be in this situation. You kind of have to leave it up to some of the people in charge to make those decisions on what they feel is best and have faith that they know what they're doing.
"You never want to see anybody -- let alone an athlete or an NBA player -- have to go through it. Seems to be more and more people seem to be getting affected by it."
The NBA's decision to suspend its season came after Utah's Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday.
If no more regular-season games are played, it creates a conundrum in terms of how to determine which teams qualify for the postseason.
Anything and everything is reportedly on the table, including:
• Determining playoff teams based on points percentage.
• Allowing four more teams into the postseason, which would create a play-in round for the 7-10 seeds.
• Another suggestion was to give the top four teams in each conference byes, and make the 5-12 seeds play a best-of-three series.
• Then, when there are eight teams remaining in each conference, make all playoff series best-of-five until the Stanley Cup Final, which would remain best-of-seven.
If 24 teams are allowed into the playoffs, the Hawks (32-30-8) would actually qualify at the 12th seed in the West. If all seeds were done by points percentage -- and the regular season was declared over -- that means the Hawks would play a best-of-three series against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers.
For now, though, we wait.
Hopefully, play can resume -- perhaps in a few weeks, perhaps in a month or more -- and then we'll find out exactly how the NHL wants to proceed with its season.
• Follow John on Twitter @johndietzdh for updates and breaking news


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-12--Six years in prison for Roselle man who stole $225,000 from College of DuPage

A Roselle man was sentenced Thursday to six years in prison after he pleaded guilty to stealing more than $ 225,000 from College of DuPage through financial-aid fraud .
Cedric Ramey , 43 , of the 800 block of Shawnee Trail , was sentenced by DuPage County Judge Alex McGimsey .
Ramey pleaded guilty in December to one count of theft over $ 100,000 from a school or place of worship , a Class X felony .
His co-defendant , 40-year-old Mary Allen of Roselle , pleaded guilty to forgery and was sentenced to 30 days in jail and two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from February 2012 through May 2014 , Ramey got friends to provide personal information that he then used to apply for admission to COD and for loans and grants from the Department of Education .
The recruits would then withdraw from the courses , resulting in refunds of tuition balances .
The money was refunded via checks or electronic payments to them .
The recruits then split the refunds with Ramey , authorities said .
The scheme came to light when a woman reported that she had received a tuition bill from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never attended it .
Ramey will have to serve at least half his sentence before being eligible for parole .

Six years in prison for Roselle man who stole $225,000 from College of DuPage
A Roselle man was sentenced Thursday to six years in prison after he pleaded guilty to stealing more than $225,000 from College of DuPage through financial-aid fraud.
Cedric Ramey, 43, of the 800 block of Shawnee Trail, was sentenced by DuPage County Judge Alex McGimsey.
Ramey pleaded guilty in December to one count of theft over $100,000 from a school or place of worship, a Class X felony.
His co-defendant, 40-year-old Mary Allen of Roselle, pleaded guilty to forgery and was sentenced to 30 days in jail and two years of probation.
According to prosecutors, from February 2012 through May 2014, Ramey got friends to provide personal information that he then used to apply for admission to COD and for loans and grants from the Department of Education.
The recruits would then withdraw from the courses, resulting in refunds of tuition balances. The money was refunded via checks or electronic payments to them. The recruits then split the refunds with Ramey, authorities said.
The scheme came to light when a woman reported that she had received a tuition bill from the college, but that she had never attended it.
Ramey will have to serve at least half his sentence before being eligible for parole.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-12--Tips for dealing with anxiety over coronavirus

With talk of COVID-19 dominating many of our lives , the director of addiction services at Naperville-based Linden Oaks Behavioral Health is urging people `` not to let our anxiety get the better of us . ''
Aaron Weiner says it 's essential to follow the proper guidelines to slow the progression of the virus , but it 's also important for people not to let fears of the unknown dominate their lives .
In written comments distributed by Edward-Elmhurst Health , Weiner said excessive anxiety can have a negative impact on all areas of life , including relationships , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offered the following tips for reducing anxiety : • Limit the amount of time you spend reading and watching news about coronavirus news .
While it is important to stay abreast of current recommendations , remember that every time you expose yourself to disturbing news , you are stoking the fires of your own anxiety .
`` Choose one time per day to read about coronavirus news , and once you are updated , wait until tomorrow to check again , '' he said .
• Focus on what you can control to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and let go of what you ca n't .
If you follow recommendations from health care institutions , you can rest easy knowing you 've done your part to keep yourself and your family safe .
• Do n't engage in `` safety behaviors '' that increase your anxiety without making you any safer .
For coronavirus , this means taking recommended precautions , but not going overboard .
An example of a safety behavior in this circumstance is mask-hoarding or preventive mask-wearing -- the CDC has been very clear that masks are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you 're sick , but not for keeping germs out when you 're in public .
Worse yet , people tend to touch their face more when wearing a mask , which is associated with increased risk of contracting the virus .
• Avoid catastrophizing : remember that , in all likelihood , you are going to be OK .
It 's easy to assume the worst , but this only makes our anxiety worse .
`` If you operate under the assumption that you and your loved ones will be OK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than if you ruminate on possible catastrophic outcomes , '' Weiner said .
• Engage in mindfulness meditation to reduce your reactivity to anxiety .
If you 're not familiar with such meditation , try getting started with a smartphone app that uses research-supported techniques and provides you with training .
He recommends Headspace and 10 % Happier , • Get support and talk about your feelings .
`` Make sure you open up to close friends and family about your feelings and , if necessary , do n't hesitate to work with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you or a member of your family would benefit from working with a therapist , visit www.eehealth.org/services/behavioral-health or call Linden Oaks Behavioral Health at ( 630 ) 305-5027 to find the location nearest you .

6 tips for dealing with anxiety over the coronavirus
With talk of COVID-19 dominating many of our lives, the director of addiction services at Naperville-based Linden Oaks Behavioral Health is urging people "not to let our anxiety get the better of us."
Aaron Weiner says it's essential to follow the proper guidelines to slow the progression of the virus, but it's also important for people not to let fears of the unknown dominate their lives.
In written comments distributed by Edward-Elmhurst Health, Weiner said excessive anxiety can hurt all areas of life, including relationships, parenting and even immune systems.
He offered the following tips for reducing anxiety:
• Limit the amount of time you spend reading and watching coronavirus news. While it is important to stay abreast of current recommendations, remember that every time you expose yourself to disturbing news, you are stoking the fires of your own anxiety. "Choose one time per day to read about coronavirus news, and once you are updated, wait until tomorrow to check again," he said.
• Focus on what you can control to keep you and your family healthy, and let go of what you can't. If you follow recommendations from health care institutions, you can rest easy knowing you've done your part to keep yourself and your family safe.
• Don't engage in "safety behaviors" that increase your anxiety without making you any safer. For coronavirus, this means taking recommended precautions, but not going overboard.
An example of a safety behavior in this circumstance is mask-hoarding or preventive mask-wearing -- the CDC has been very clear that masks are most useful right now for containing germs if you're sick, but not for keeping germs out when you're in public. Worse yet, people tend to touch their face more when wearing a mask, which is associated with increased risk of contracting the virus.
• Avoid catastrophizing: Remember that, in all likelihood, you are going to be OK. It's easy to assume the worst, but this only makes our anxiety worse. "If you operate under the assumption that you and your loved ones will be OK, your anxiety will be significantly lower than if you ruminate on possible catastrophic outcomes," Weiner said.
• Engage in mindfulness meditation to reduce your reactivity to anxiety. If you're not familiar with such meditation, try getting started with a smartphone app that uses research-supported techniques and provides you with training. He recommends Headspace and 10% Happier,
• Get support and talk about your feelings. "Make sure you open up to close friends and family about your feelings and, if necessary, don't hesitate to work with a therapist," he said.
If you or a member of your family would benefit from working with a therapist, visit www.eehealth.org/services/behavioral-health or call Linden Oaks Behavioral Health at (630) 305-5027 to find the location nearest you.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-12--Lombard exhibit highlights first woman to vote in Illinois

An 1890s-era ballot box that could have held the first vote cast by a woman in Illinois greets visitors to an exhibit in Lombard , the town where that vote entered the record books on April 6 , 1891 .
The Lombard Historical Society is playing up the Lilac Village 's role in the history of U.S. women 's suffrage by displaying an exhibit through August called `` Art & Artists of the Suffrage Movement . ''
The exhibit is open 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays for a suggested donation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ builds upon features of the society 's permanent display , which pay homage to Lombard resident and attorney Ellen Martin and 14 other women who cast official ballots 29 years before the ability to do so became a women 's right nationwide .
The historical society developed the exhibit this year as women 's organizations across the country celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution , which was ratified in 1920 and gave women the right to vote .
Illinois was among the first states to ratify the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early Lombard town charter that allowed `` all citizens '' to vote -- giving Martin and the other women who went to the polls in 1891 the loophole they needed .
Although Lombard leaders altered the town charter after the 1891 election and prevented women from voting again until it was legal nationwide , Martin and her peers made history .
Now it 's something their successors in town can celebrate , the historical society 's Archivist Jean Crockett and Program Coordinator Colette Freeman say .
As visitors pass from the permanent exhibit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cottage Museum , 23 W. Maple St. , into the new display , a painting is the first thing they see .
The 1910 artwork , called `` With Out Benefit of Attorney '' by Frederick de Forrest Schook , shows what it could have looked like when Martin and another woman cast their votes before a judge in a town of less than 1,000 people .
The image sets the tone , Crockett and Freeman say , of an era when `` women really did n't have any rights at all .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ however , focuses on pieces by artists who were working during the suffrage movement from the 1850s to 1920 or took an active role in it themselves .
The main artists featured are Christia Reade of Lombard and Clara Barck Welles of Park Ridge .
Barck Welles was an activist who helped organize a Chicago contingent to participate in the 1913 Women 's Suffrage Parade in New York .
Reade was an artist in many mediums creating works as varied as large , stained glass windows and small , book plates used in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the original Lilac Queen crown Reade crafted from melted silver spoons donated by Lombard residents and several pieces of jewelry forged at Kalo Shop , which Barck Welles co-founded and managed during a Chicago Arts and Crafts movement that began after the 1893 World 's Columbian Exposition .
Two large posters highlight key historical points in the movement toward women 's suffrage and a few `` votes for women '' signs remind visitors that the fight for suffrage -- and the exhibit itself -- come with a message , Freeman said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
A few more modern touches highlight how women 's participation in society has expanded during the past century .
A photo of a diverse group of young women who made up a recent Lilac Court is a favorite of Crockett 's .
`` This is what some of the women were fighting for -- diversity , '' she said .
`` Diversity of opinion . ''

Lombard exhibit highlights first woman to vote in Illinois
An 1890s-era ballot box that could have held the first vote cast by a woman in Illinois greets visitors to an exhibit in Lombard, the town where that vote entered the record books on April 6, 1891.
The Lombard Historical Society is playing up the Lilac Village's role in the history of U.S. women's suffrage by displaying an exhibit through August called "Art & Artists of the Suffrage Movement."
The exhibit is open 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays for a suggested donation of $2 a person.
The exhibit builds upon features of the society's permanent display, which pay homage to Lombard resident and attorney Ellen Martin and 14 other women who cast official ballots 29 years before the ability to do so became a women's right nationwide.
The historical society developed the exhibit this year as women's organizations across the country celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which was ratified in 1920 and gave women the right to vote. Illinois was among the first states to ratify the amendment.
Permanently displayed artifacts include an early Lombard town charter that allowed "all citizens" to vote -- giving Martin and the other women who went to the polls in 1891 the loophole they needed.
Although Lombard leaders altered the town charter after the 1891 election and prevented women from voting again until it was legal nationwide, Martin and her peers made history. Now it's something their successors in town can celebrate, historical society Archivist Jean Crockett and Program Coordinator Colette Freeman say.
As visitors pass from the permanent exhibit inside the Carriage House at the Victorian Cottage Museum, 23 W. Maple St., into the new display, a painting is the first thing they see.
The 1910 artwork, called "With Out Benefit of Attorney" by Frederick de Forrest Schook, shows what it could have looked like when Martin and another woman cast their votes before a judge in a town of less than 1,000 people.
The image sets the tone, Crockett and Freeman say, of an era when "women really didn't have any rights at all."
The majority of the exhibit, however, focuses on pieces by artists who were working during the suffrage movement from the 1850s to 1920 or took an active role in it themselves.
The main artists featured are Christia Reade of Lombard and Clara Barck Welles of Park Ridge. Barck Welles was an activist who helped organize a Chicago contingent to participate in the 1913 Women's Suffrage Parade in New York. Reade was an artist in many mediums creating works as varied as large, stained glass windows and small, book plates used in private libraries.
Exhibit visitors can see the original Lilac Queen crown Reade crafted from melted silver spoons donated by Lombard residents and several pieces of jewelry forged at Kalo Shop, which Barck Welles co-founded and managed during a Chicago Arts and Crafts movement that began after the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition.
Two large posters highlight key historical points in the movement toward women's suffrage and a few "votes for women" signs remind visitors that the fight for suffrage -- and the exhibit itself -- come with a message, Freeman said.
"Get out and vote," she said.
A few more modern touches highlight how women's participation in society has expanded during the past century. A photo of a diverse group of young women who made up a recent Lilac Court is a favorite of Crockett's.
"This is what some of the women were fighting for -- diversity," she said. "Diversity of opinion."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-12--District 103 crafting e-learning program in response to pandemic

As the number of COVID-19 virus cases grows in the suburbs , Lincolnshire-Prairie View Elementary District 103 officials are hastily developing an electronic learning program so students can continue lessons remotely if the buildings shut down .
The effort , which will make use of the iPad tablets all first- through eighth-graders already possess , will be ready to implement `` very shortly , '' Superintendent Scott Warren said -- likely within days .
`` We thought it would be a really good idea for us to have a plan in place , '' Warren said Thursday , one day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county 's first COVID-19 case .
E-learning programs are designed to ensure education continues despite snowstorms , frigid weather or other emergencies that could force building closures .
Proponents say the programs can eliminate the need to add days to the end of the scheduled school year .
In Illinois , e-learning efforts were legalized last summer after a three-year , state-run test program in Gurnee Elementary District 56 , West Chicago High School District 94 and Franklin Park-based Leyden High School District 212 .
Teachers and students used texts , online chat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and get work done .
Mundelein-based Fremont Elementary District 79 , Barrington Area Unit District 220 , Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 and Mundelein High are among the suburban schools that have embraced the e-learning concept .
District 103 officials began developing an e-learning program last week -- about the same time state education officials recommended educators across Illinois prepare for building closures , Warren said .
The planning is fairly easy , Warren said , because students at the three District 103 schools already use their iPads to submit work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fill out report sheets .
Some of that work is done in the classroom , and some of it is done at home .
District 103 teachers were expected to meet Thursday to discuss the program .
Additionally , an emergency school board meeting to discuss the COVID-19 virus was scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday at the District 103 office , 111 Barclay Blvd.
, Lincolnshire .
A state-mandated public hearing on the plan is scheduled for 9 a.m. March 20 at the district office .
Fremont District 79 officials are ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three schools close because of the virus , spokesman Nick Brilowski said .
Superintendent Bill Robertson has been regularly communicating with other Lake County administrators and the county health department since the outbreak began .
`` We are appropriately prepared should the decision be made to cancel classes , '' Brilowski said .
Students at Mundelein , Libertyville and Vernon Hills high schools have been told to take their Chromebook computers home each night in case the schools are shuttered , too .

District 103 crafting e-learning program in response to pandemic
As the number of COVID-19 virus cases grows in the suburbs, Lincolnshire-Prairie View Elementary District 103 officials are hastily developing an electronic learning program so students can continue lessons remotely if the buildings shut down.
The effort, which will make use of the iPad tablets all first- through eighth-graders already possess, will be ready to implement "very shortly," Superintendent Scott Warren said -- likely within days.
"We thought it would be a really good idea for us to have a plan in place," Warren said Thursday, one day after Lake County health officials announced the county's first COVID-19 case.
E-learning programs are designed to ensure education continues despite snowstorms, frigid weather or other emergencies that could force building closures. Proponents say the programs can eliminate the need to add days to the end of the scheduled school year.
In Illinois, e-learning efforts were legalized last summer after a three-year, state-run test program in Gurnee Elementary District 56, West Chicago High School District 94 and Franklin Park-based Leyden High School District 212. Teachers and students used texts, online chat rooms and other electronic tools to communicate and get work done.
Mundelein-based Fremont Elementary District 79, Barrington Area Unit District 220, Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 and Mundelein High are among the suburban schools that have embraced the e-learning concept.
District 103 officials began developing an e-learning program last week -- about the same time state education officials recommended educators across Illinois prepare for building closures, Warren said.
The planning is fairly easy, Warren said, because students at the three District 103 schools already use their iPads to submit work online, email teachers, watch videos and fill out report sheets. Some of that work is done in the classroom, and some of it is done at home.
District 103 teachers were expected to meet Thursday to discuss the program. Additionally, an emergency school board meeting to discuss the COVID-19 virus was scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday at the District 103 office, 111 Barclay Blvd., Lincolnshire.
A state-mandated public hearing on the plan is scheduled for 9 a.m. March 20 at the district office.
Fremont District 79 officials are ready to switch to electronic education if their three schools close because of the virus, spokesman Nick Brilowski said. Superintendent Bill Robertson has been regularly communicating with other Lake County administrators and the county health department since the outbreak began.
"We are appropriately prepared should the decision be made to cancel classes," Brilowski said.
Students at Mundelein, Libertyville and Vernon Hills high schools have been told to take their Chromebook computers home each night in case the schools are shuttered, too.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-12--Harper College taking measures to minimize risk of exposure to the coronavirus

Harper College in Palatine is taking measures to minimize the risk of exposure to the new coronavirus on campus .
@ @ @ @ @ learning for students will be enacted from March 16 to April 12 .
For employees @ @ @ @ @ its regular work schedule through March 29 .
Beginning March 30 , Harper will begin @ @ @ @ @ .
Officials said the period aligns with the 14-day incubation period for COVID-19 .
During @ @ @ @ @ students will not come to campus , except essential personnel who will be notified .

Harper College taking measures to minimize risk of exposure to the coronavirus
Harper College in Palatine is taking measures to minimize the risk of exposure to the new coronavirus on campus.
Officials said off-campus, flexible learning for students will be enacted from March 16 to April 12. For employees, the college will maintain its regular work schedule through March 29.
Beginning March 30, Harper will begin a two-week social distancing period. Officials said the period aligns with the 14-day incubation period for COVID-19. During this time, employees and students will not come to campus, except essential personnel who will be notified.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-12--Barrington Public Town Hall Forum set for April 22

The fourth annual Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce Public Town Hall Forum , featuring updates from local taxing bodies , @ @ @ @ @ to 10 a.m. Wednesday , April 22 , at The Garlands of Barrington , 1000 @ @ @ @ @ The event will provide updates on local public services in the Barrington area , as @ @ @ @ @ with forum speakers .
The cost to attend is $ 35 per person , or @ @ @ @ @ of eight , and includes a buffet breakfast .
Registration and breakfast begin at 7:30 @ @ @ @ @ 847 ) 381-2525 or visit the BACC website at www.BarringtonChamber.com .
Invited speakers include representatives @ @ @ @ @ , Barrington Area Unit School District 220 , Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District , Barrington @ @ @ @ @ Park District , Barrington Township , Cuba Township , Harper College and South Barrington Park @ @

Barrington Public Town Hall Forum set for April 22
The fourth annual Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce Public Town Hall Forum, featuring updates from local taxing bodies, is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 22, at The Garlands of Barrington, 1000 Garlands Lane in Barrington.
The event will provide updates on local public services in the Barrington area, as well as a question-and-answer session with forum speakers.
The cost to attend is $35 per person, or $280 for a table of eight, and includes a buffet breakfast. Registration and breakfast begin at 7:30 a.m. To register call (847) 381-2525 or visit the BACC website at www.BarringtonChamber.com.
Invited speakers include representatives from the Barrington Area Library, Barrington Area Unit School District 220, Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District, Barrington Hills Park District, Barrington Park District, Barrington Township, Cuba Township, Harper College and South Barrington Park District.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-12--Elk Grove Village Fire Department earns accreditation

The Elk Grove Village Fire Department has earned accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International , making it just @ @ @ @ @ and 16 in Illinois to achieve that status .
To earn the designation , the @ @ @ @ @ that included a community risk assessment , an update to response plans , and a @ @ @ @ @ team of outside assessors .
To maintain accreditation status , the department must meet certain @ @ @ @ @ the accreditation renewal process five years from now .
`` This accreditation marks a new @ @ @ @ @ Elk Grove Village Fire Department to keep our community safe , '' said Fire Chief @ @ @ @ @ have adopted a cycle of planning , performing , evaluating , and planning again , @ @ @ @ @ the needs of our residents and businesses . ''

Elk Grove Village Fire Department earns accreditation
The Elk Grove Village Fire Department has earned accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, making it just one of 250 agencies worldwide and 16 in Illinois to achieve that status.
To earn the designation, the department underwent a two-year process that included a community risk assessment, an update to response plans, and a review of operations by a team of outside assessors.
To maintain accreditation status, the department must meet certain annual performance metrics and undergo the accreditation renewal process five years from now.
"This accreditation marks a new, modern way for the Elk Grove Village Fire Department to keep our community safe," said Fire Chief Richard Mikel. "We have adopted a cycle of planning, performing, evaluating, and planning again, to keep current in addressing the needs of our residents and businesses."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-12--What's a mild case of COVID-19 feel like? Similar to a cold or flu, experts say

Have you powered through a head cold or case of flu recently ?
That experience is what many individuals in good health should expect if they contract COVID-19 , experts say .
`` It could be anything from symptoms of a bad cold or a mild cold to flu-like symptoms , '' Rush University Medical Center physician and professor Brian Stein said .
`` The great majority of people will have mild to moderate symptoms . ''
Those run the gamut of fever , runny nose , sore throat , fatigue , coughing , muscle aches and sometimes chills .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ contagious infection , which can cause pneumonia and lead to death .
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 .
However , a university student in his 20s who caught the virus in Italy and received treatment at Rush `` was not significantly ill , '' said Stein , a specialist in pulmonary and critical care .
`` We just wanted to observe him to make sure he did n't get any worse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Public anxiety is rising with sports leagues postponing games and St. Patrick 's Day parades being canceled , to name a few precautions emerging this week .
Such actions are n't meant to incite angst but to prevent an avalanche of cases at once , say health professionals , who anticipate a majority of Americans will contract COVID-19 in the coming months .
`` The goal is to slow the spread ( of coronavirus ) down so that we do n't overwhelm our hospitals and health systems from a resources standpoint , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 is n't just a scenario for young and healthy individuals .
`` Even some of the middle-aged and older folks are going to have mild cases , '' said physician Randy Orr , medical director of pulmonary critical care at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital .
However , `` the older we get , the more medical problems that we have , the more likelier it is to get deep down into the respiratory tract and cause pneumonia , '' Orr explained .
There 's no vaccine or cure for coronavirus yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with typical off-the-counter medication used in cases of cold or flu .
If you suspect you have coronavirus , call your health care provider and describe your symptoms , authorities say .
One gray area is whom to consult if you do n't have a doctor .
The Illinois Department of Public Health suggested those individuals should `` contact their local medical facility in advance so they can take proper precautions only if they are exhibiting symptoms so that the flu and other illness can be ruled out . ''
The fight against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by delays ramping up COVID-19 testing , Orr said .
He requested tests on two seriously ill patients but was rejected because those cases did n't meet the threshold .
`` The threshold was so high to test because we only had so many tests ( in Illinois ) .
When that 's the case , the downside of that is we 're going to miss a lot of cases . ''
`` It seems like we 're starting to meet the need now , '' Orr added .
Regarding whether warm weather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CDC said it 's not known yet .
Orr noted that `` history is helpful on what we 've seen with other coronaviruses ; they do n't tend to like the warmer weather .
Odds are , that 's going to lend itself to the cases flowing down , so the sooner warm weather comes , the better .
But I do n't think anyone can say it with certainty . ''
Stein notes , `` we want to respect this virus and be cautious -- but we 're going to make it @ @ @ @

What's a mild case of COVID-19 feel like? Similar to a cold or flu, experts say
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said "not touching your mouth and your nose and your eyes" was good advice in light of the coronavirus risk, then minutes later wiped his nose with his hand. Washington Post video frame grab
Have you powered through a head cold or case of flu recently? That experience is what many individuals in good health should expect if they contract COVID-19, experts say.
"It could be anything from symptoms of a bad cold or a mild cold to flu-like symptoms," Rush University Medical Center physician and professor Brian Stein said. "The great majority of people will have mild to moderate symptoms."
Those run the gamut of fever, runny nose, sore throat, fatigue, coughing, muscle aches and sometimes chills.
That's not to downplay the highly contagious infection, which can cause pneumonia and lead to death. 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.
However, a university student in his 20s who caught the virus in Italy and received treatment at Rush "was not significantly ill," said Stein, a specialist in pulmonary and critical care. "We just wanted to observe him to make sure he didn't get any worse. He was in good spirits."
Public anxiety is rising with sports leagues postponing games and St. Patrick's Day parades being canceled, to name a few precautions emerging this week.
Such actions aren't meant to incite angst but to prevent an avalanche of cases at once, say health professionals, who anticipate a majority of Americans will contract COVID-19 in the coming months.
"The goal is to slow the spread (of coronavirus) down so that we don't overwhelm our hospitals and health systems from a resources standpoint," Stein said.
Bouncing back from COVID-19 isn't just a scenario for young and healthy individuals.
"Even some of the middle-aged and older folks are going to have mild cases," said physician Randy Orr, medical director of pulmonary critical care at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital.
However, "the older we get, the more medical problems that we have, the more likelier it is to get deep down into the respiratory tract and cause pneumonia," Orr explained.
There's no vaccine or cure for coronavirus yet, but mild cases can be treated with typical off-the-counter medication used in cases of cold or flu.
If you suspect you have coronavirus, call your health care provider and describe your symptoms, authorities say.
One gray area is whom to consult if you don't have a doctor. The Illinois Department of Public Health suggested those individuals should "contact their local medical facility in advance so they can take proper precautions only if they are exhibiting symptoms so that the flu and other illness can be ruled out."
The fight against COVID-19 was somewhat hamstrung earlier in 2020 by delays ramping up COVID-19 testing, Orr said. He requested tests on two seriously ill patients but was rejected because those cases didn't meet the threshold.
"The threshold was so high to test because we only had so many tests (in Illinois). When that's the case, the downside of that is we're going to miss a lot of cases."
"It seems like we're starting to meet the need now," Orr added.
Regarding whether warm weather will reduce cases of COVID-19, the CDC said it's not known yet.
Orr noted that "history is helpful on what we've seen with other coronaviruses; they don't tend to like the warmer weather. Odds are, that's going to lend itself to the cases flowing down, so the sooner warm weather comes, the better. But I don't think anyone can say it with certainty."
Stein notes, "we want to respect this virus and be cautious -- but we're going to make it through this."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-12--Pritzker: Postpone all large gatherings, schools to stay open; 7 new Chicago-area cases

Gov .
J.B. Pritzker issued new guidelines Thursday about large gatherings in public spaces as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state climbed to 32 , with five new cases in the suburbs .
Pritzker recommended Thursday that all public gatherings and community events expected to attract 250 people or more be canceled or postponed .
The recommendation aligns with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
The governor also mandated that events of 1,000 or more people be canceled or postponed immediately .
Pritzker said he knows some people in areas of Illinois not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the necessity of such strict statewide guidelines .
`` Do n't be fooled into thinking your community is immune , '' Pritzker said .
`` It is not . ''
The actions come as Illinois health officials announced that seven more people have tested positive for the coronavirus : a Chicago woman in her 40s , a Chicago child , two women in their 70s and a man in his 50s in Cook County outside Chicago , a Kane County man in his 70s , and a McHenry County man in his 60s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hesitate to take the most aggressive measures possible to protect the people of our state , '' Pritzker said .
`` We need to reduce social contact in order to try and control the spread of the virus and prevent our medical infrastructure from dealing with too many cases at one time . ''
Pritzker , Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot , Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle , and city and state health officials held a joint news conference on Thursday in Chicago , with each outlining bans on various gatherings and meetings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to concerts and conferences .
Dr. Allison Arwady , the commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health said no details would be disclosed about what may be the youngest patient so far in Illinois , the Chicago Sun-Times reported .
Arwady said the Chicago child 's school has been notified , but she did not specify the school .
A McHenry County teenage boy was announced as a confirmed case on Tuesday .
`` While older adults appear to be suffering more severe illness , the young child in Chicago is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this virus , '' said Dr. Ngozi Ezike , the state 's director of the public health department .
Ezike said a third of the state 's cases involve travel and about half are related to contact with another person with COVID-19 .
`` The remaining cases are not as clear and could be the result of community spread , '' Ezike said .
`` So while you may not have a case in your community now , we anticipate that there will be . ''
The governor said he is not requiring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down but the state will be monitoring the situation on a day-to-day basis .
He also said the state 's primary election will go on as planned Tuesday , but early voting hours will be extended .
In Chicago , Lightfoot said she reached a deal with Comcast to provide low-income homes with 60 days of free internet -- and doubling of internet speeds in those households , the Sun-Times reported .
She said she would not close Chicago Public Schools because it would have `` potential cascading effects '' on many low-income @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and shelter .
Pritzker also announced the James R. Thompson Center will be closed to the public beginning Monday , although all government services will still be open and state employees will still work in their respective offices .
The CTA , however , will remain open .
`` It may evolve right now , but we do n't see any reason or rationale for us to shut down public transit in the city of Chicago , '' Lightfoot said .
`` The CTA is also taking additional measures to make sure buses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pritzker said he also talked with all Chicago sports teams and they 've agreed either to postpone games or play without fans until May 1 .

Pritzker: Postpone all large gatherings, schools to stay open; 7 new Chicago-area cases
Gov. J.B. Pritzker, along with elected and health officials, give a daily update on the coronavirus situation in Illinois on Thursday in Chicago. Tyler LaRiviere/Chicago Sun-Times
Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued new guidelines Thursday about large gatherings in public spaces as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state climbed to 32, with five new cases in the suburbs.
Pritzker recommended Thursday that all public gatherings and community events expected to attract 250 people or more be canceled or postponed. The recommendation aligns with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The governor also mandated that events of 1,000 or more people be canceled or postponed immediately.
Pritzker said he knows some people in areas of Illinois not yet affected by the coronavirus will question the necessity of such strict statewide guidelines.
"Don't be fooled into thinking your community is immune," Pritzker said. "It is not."
The actions come as Illinois health officials announced that seven more people have tested positive for the coronavirus: a Chicago woman in her 40s, a Chicago child, two women in their 70s and a man in his 50s in Cook County outside Chicago, a Kane County man in his 70s, and a McHenry County man in his 60s.
"I am not going to hesitate to take the most aggressive measures possible to protect the people of our state," Pritzker said. "We need to reduce social contact in order to try and control the spread of the virus and prevent our medical infrastructure from dealing with too many cases at one time."
Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, and city and state health officials held a joint news conference on Thursday in Chicago, with each outlining bans on various gatherings and meetings. That includes everything from large churches to concerts and conferences.
Dr. Allison Arwady, the commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health said no details would be disclosed about what may be the youngest patient so far in Illinois, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. Arwady said the Chicago child's school has been notified, but she did not specify the school. A McHenry County teenage boy was announced as a confirmed case on Tuesday.
"While older adults appear to be suffering more severe illness, the young child in Chicago is a reminder that anyone can be infected with this virus," said Dr. Ngozi Ezike, the state's director of the public health department.
Ezike said a third of the state's cases involve travel and about half are related to contact with another person with COVID-19.
"The remaining cases are not as clear and could be the result of community spread," Ezike said. "So while you may not have a case in your community now, we anticipate that there will be."
The governor said he is not requiring that all schools in the state shut down but the state will be monitoring the situation on a day-to-day basis.
He also said the state's primary election will go on as planned Tuesday, but early voting hours will be extended.
In Chicago, Lightfoot said she reached a deal with Comcast to provide low-income homes with 60 days of free internet -- and doubling of internet speeds in those households, the Sun-Times reported.
She said she would not close Chicago Public Schools because it would have "potential cascading effects" on many low-income students who rely on schools for food and shelter.
Pritzker also announced the James R. Thompson Center will be closed to the public beginning Monday, although all government services will still be open and state employees will still work in their respective offices. The CTA, however, will remain open.
"It may evolve right now, but we don't see any reason or rationale for us to shut down public transit in the city of Chicago," Lightfoot said. "The CTA is also taking additional measures to make sure buses and train cars are clean."
Pritzker said he also talked with all Chicago sports teams and they've agreed either to postpone games or play without fans until May 1.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-12--Palatine joins Lake Villa, cancels St. Patrick's parade

After a rash of cancellations elsewhere , organizers of Palatine 's 10th annual Paint the Town Green St. Patrick 's Day festival announced Thursday evening that the festivities would not go forward .
A message posted on the village 's Facebook page about 9 p.m. reads : `` In light of the recent announcement by the Illinois Governor , and in consideration of public health and consultation with the Village , a decision has been made to postpone the Paint the Town Green Parade scheduled for Saturday , March 14 .
Thank you for your understanding and happy St. Patrick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was posted on the event 's website .
The parade was a go until then , with organizers on the event website urging residents feeling ill to `` please consider your health and the health of others and stay at home . ''
The event 's highlight was to be a parade that steps off at 11 a.m. from the corner of Wood and Oak streets in the village 's downtown .
For most of Thursday , Lake Villa also intended to hold its annual St. Patrick 's Day Parade as scheduled .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the day and called of the parade and related activities .
`` Unfortunately , Lake Villa is canceling the Saint Patrick 's Day Parade and corn beef and cabbage dinner at the Lake Villa VFW .
The Saint Patrick 's Day Parade is a wonderful event , but due to health concerns , it is our responsibility to ensure everyone 's safety and cancel this event , '' Mayor James McDonald said in the announcement .
The Palatine parade doubles as a charitable event .
In past years , marchers with shopping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disposable paper products for JOURNEYS the Road Home , which provides shelter and services to homeless people in the Northwest suburbs .
Before the event was canceled , JOURNEYS officials issued a statement Thursday announcing they would not take part in the event this year .
`` On advice of our medical partners , JOURNEYS has made the very difficult decision to not march in this year 's St. Patrick 's Day Parade in Palatine , '' the statement reads .
`` This is needed to minimize possible exposure of the COVID-19 virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our clients and volunteers .
We are so grateful for being selected as the charity partner for the Paint the Town Green parade for many years and look forward to participating again in future years . ''
The festival also features an Irish market outside Durty Nellie 's , 180 N. Smith St .
The market showcases 11 vendors selling everything from Irish soda bread to Irish trinkets from Lady Jo 's Lids .
Volunteers there will be accepting donations , as well .
`` Everyone is a wee bit Irish , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said fest coordinator Liz Christie of event planning company ElizEvents .
`` It 's the largest ( St. Patrick 's Day festival ) in the area , featuring pipe bands and a leprechaun and princess for family fun entertainment . ''
It all began when Jim Dolezal of Durty Nellie 's approached Christie with an idea : since there was no St. Patrick 's Day parade in Palatine or neighboring communities , why not start one themselves ?
Durty Nellie 's could sponsor the event and Christie could plan it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from two people and 35 businesses to dozens of volunteers and more than 50 businesses participating .
`` It 's the first festival of the year and everyone comes out to shake their cabin fever , '' event coordinator Bill Pohlman said .
`` This is the only festival in Palatine where the entire community is involved .
Everywhere you go in town people are out celebrating . ''
The Daily Herald Media Group is a media sponsor of the event .

Palatine joins Lake Villa, cancels St. Patrick's parade
After a rash of cancellations elsewhere, organizers of Palatine's 10th annual Paint the Town Green St. Patrick's Day festival announced Thursday evening that the festivities would not go forward.
A message posted on the village's Facebook page about 9 p.m. reads: "In light of the recent announcement by the Illinois Governor, and in consideration of public health and consultation with the Village, a decision has been made to postpone the Paint the Town Green Parade scheduled for Saturday, March 14. Thank you for your understanding and happy St. Patrick's Day."
The same message was posted on the event's website.
The parade was a go until then, with organizers on the event website urging residents feeling ill to "please consider your health and the health of others and stay at home."
The event's highlight was to be a parade that steps off at 11 a.m. from the corner of Wood and Oak streets in the village's downtown.
For most of Thursday, Lake Villa also intended to hold its annual St. Patrick's Day Parade as scheduled.
However, village leaders reversed course late in the day and called of the parade and related activities.
"Unfortunately, Lake Villa is canceling the Saint Patrick's Day Parade and corn beef and cabbage dinner at the Lake Villa VFW. The Saint Patrick's Day Parade is a wonderful event, but due to health concerns, it is our responsibility to ensure everyone's safety and cancel this event," Mayor James McDonald said in the announcement.
The Palatine parade doubles as a charitable event. In past years, marchers with shopping carts have gathered food, clothing and disposable paper products for JOURNEYS the Road Home, which provides shelter and services to homeless people in the Northwest suburbs.
Before the event was canceled, JOURNEYS officials issued a statement Thursday announcing they would not take part in the event this year.
"On advice of our medical partners, JOURNEYS has made the very difficult decision to not march in this year's St. Patrick's Day Parade in Palatine," the statement reads. "This is needed to minimize possible exposure of the COVID-19 virus to our staff as well as to our clients and volunteers. We are so grateful for being selected as the charity partner for the Paint the Town Green parade for many years and look forward to participating again in future years."
The festival also features an Irish market outside Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St. The market showcases 11 vendors selling everything from Irish soda bread to Irish trinkets from Lady Jo's Lids. Volunteers there will be accepting donations, as well.
"Everyone is a wee bit Irish, and this is the festival to celebrate it," said fest coordinator Liz Christie of event planning company ElizEvents. "It's the largest (St. Patrick's Day festival) in the area, featuring pipe bands and a leprechaun and princess for family fun entertainment."
It all began when Jim Dolezal of Durty Nellie's approached Christie with an idea: since there was no St. Patrick's Day parade in Palatine or neighboring communities, why not start one themselves? Durty Nellie's could sponsor the event and Christie could plan it.
Since 2011, the festival has grown from two people and 35 businesses to dozens of volunteers and more than 50 businesses participating.
"It's the first festival of the year and everyone comes out to shake their cabin fever," event coordinator Bill Pohlman said. "This is the only festival in Palatine where the entire community is involved. Everywhere you go in town people are out celebrating."
The Daily Herald Media Group is a media sponsor of the event.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-12--6 tips for dealing with anxiety over the coronavirus

With talk of COVID-19 dominating many of our lives , the director of addiction services at Naperville-based Linden Oaks Behavioral Health is urging people `` not to let our anxiety get the better of us . ''
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