dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-19--With blood drives canceled, donations are needed even more now, experts in suburbs say

The recent cancellation of nearly 4,000 blood drives across the country due to the COVID-19 outbreak has depleted reserves by about 130,000 units and has ramped up the need for donations , industry experts said Thursday in Schaumburg .
`` We still have to remember every two seconds someone needs blood , '' said Margaret Vaughn , government affairs director of the Illinois Coalition of Community Blood Centers .
`` When they need it , they need it now .
It has to be tested and on the shelf . ''
The nation 's blood supplies are down about 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago , Vaughn said .
New donations have a shelf life of only 42 days .
She and Republican state Rep. Tom Morrison of Palatine were among those urging healthy people free of exposure to the coronavirus to donate at their earliest opportunity , during a news conference at the Vitalant Blood Donation Center in Schaumburg .
Morrison said the blood drive he 'd planned to attend in his own 54th District last Sunday was among thousands nationwide that have been canceled .
But he knew the critical need for blood required him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I drove over to my local Vitalant Center in Arlington Heights and gave blood , '' Morrison said .
`` This is a lifesaving way that we can all pitch in and help . ''
Dr. Jason Crane , medical director of Vitalant-Illinois , said the agency 's centers are maintaining all the social distancing , cleaning and other protocols recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
All they ask of potential donors is to refrain if they are sick or are aware of any exposure to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a respiratory infection and is n't carried by blood .
In addition to its established donation centers , Vitalant has just one drive still scheduled for the near future .
Hosted by the Chicago Wolves professional hockey team , it will run from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday , March 25 , at the Skyline Room across Lunt Avenue from the Allstate Arena in Rosemont .
Vitalant-Illinois Marketing Director Holly Seese said Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens has given permission for that drive to go on , and the facility is large enough for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as at the established centers .
`` We 'll be taking every precaution that we can there , '' Seese said .
Even without prompting , enough people were showing up at the Schaumburg facility Thursday afternoon that the staff was advising them they could feel free to wait or make an appointment for an upcoming day .
`` To all those who have heard our need over the past week , thank you , '' Seese said .
`` This need does n't stop just because most of us are homebound .
@

With blood drives canceled, donations are needed even more now, experts in suburbs say
The recent cancellation of nearly 4,000 blood drives across the country due to the COVID-19 outbreak has depleted reserves by about 130,000 units and has ramped up the need for donations, industry experts said Thursday in Schaumburg.
"We still have to remember every two seconds someone needs blood," said Margaret Vaughn, government affairs director of the Illinois Coalition of Community Blood Centers. "When they need it, they need it now. It has to be tested and on the shelf."
The nation's blood supplies are down about 30% to 40% from a year ago, Vaughn said. New donations have a shelf life of only 42 days.
She and Republican state Rep. Tom Morrison of Palatine were among those urging healthy people free of exposure to the coronavirus to donate at their earliest opportunity, during a news conference at the Vitalant Blood Donation Center in Schaumburg.
Morrison said the blood drive he'd planned to attend in his own 54th District last Sunday was among thousands nationwide that have been canceled. But he knew the critical need for blood required him to figure out another way to donate.
"I drove over to my local Vitalant Center in Arlington Heights and gave blood," Morrison said. "This is a lifesaving way that we can all pitch in and help."
Dr. Jason Crane, medical director of Vitalant-Illinois, said the agency's centers are maintaining all the social distancing, cleaning and other protocols recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All they ask of potential donors is to refrain if they are sick or are aware of any exposure to the coronavirus.
Vaughn emphasized that COVID-19 is a respiratory infection and isn't carried by blood.
In addition to its established donation centers, Vitalant has just one drive still scheduled for the near future. Hosted by the Chicago Wolves professional hockey team, it will run from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, at the Skyline Room across Lunt Avenue from the Allstate Arena in Rosemont.
Vitalant-Illinois Marketing Director Holly Seese said Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens has given permission for that drive to go on, and the facility is large enough for all the same protocols to be practiced as at the established centers.
"We'll be taking every precaution that we can there," Seese said.
Even without prompting, enough people were showing up at the Schaumburg facility Thursday afternoon that the staff was advising them they could feel free to wait or make an appointment for an upcoming day.
"To all those who have heard our need over the past week, thank you," Seese said. "This need doesn't stop just because most of us are homebound."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-19--Metra going to alternative schedule, operating fewer trains

Metra commuters traveling to and from work next week will have fewer trains to choose from as the railway scales back service in response to a COVID-19-related drop in passengers .
Metra officials announced they would switch to an alternate schedule effective Monday that provides about half the trains normally offered .
It will still provide `` adequate service for those who still need to travel , '' officials said .
Metra will try to keep the regular number of cars on trains to allow for social distancing -- people staying 6 feet apart .
The reduced schedule will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ridership has tumbled after schools closed , thousands of people began working from home , and large events were canceled to prevent the spread of the respiratory disease that can cause pneumonia .
`` This is an unprecedented situation ; we are attempting to do our best to provide service for those who still need public transportation and match service with demand , '' Executive Director Jim Derwinski said in a statement .
Additional trains could be dropped if ridership warrants , but officials pledged to provide plenty of notice for riders .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ busiest route , the alternative schedule still offers 10 morning rush trains to the city from Naperville between 5 and 9 a.m. , for example .
Coming home from Union Station , there are seven trains between 4 and 7 p.m. Monday to Friday .
All but one of Metra 's routes -- the Heritage Corridor -- will experience the temporary service reductions .
To find out what the alternate schedules entail , go to metrarail.com .

Metra going to alternative schedule, operating fewer trains
Metra crews disinfect a railcar to ward off infection from COVID-19. The railroad is switching to a reduced schedule. Courtesy of Metra
Metra commuters traveling to and from work next week will have fewer trains to choose from as the railway scales back service in response to a COVID-19-related drop in passengers.
Metra officials announced they would switch to an alternate schedule effective Monday that provides about half the trains normally offered. It will still provide "adequate service for those who still need to travel," officials said.
Metra will try to keep the regular number of cars on trains to allow for social distancing -- people staying 6 feet apart.
The reduced schedule will be in place until conditions normalize.
Metra ridership has tumbled after schools closed, thousands of people began working from home, and large events were canceled to prevent the spread of the respiratory disease that can cause pneumonia.
"This is an unprecedented situation; we are attempting to do our best to provide service for those who still need public transportation and match service with demand," Executive Director Jim Derwinski said in a statement.
Additional trains could be dropped if ridership warrants, but officials pledged to provide plenty of notice for riders.
On the BNSF Line, Metra's busiest route, the alternative schedule still offers 10 morning rush trains to the city from Naperville between 5 and 9 a.m., for example. Coming home from Union Station, there are seven trains between 4 and 7 p.m. Monday to Friday.
All but one of Metra's routes -- the Heritage Corridor -- will experience the temporary service reductions.
To find out what the alternate schedules entail, go to metrarail.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-19--Glen Ellyn man pleads guilty in plot to kill parents

A Glen Ellyn man who hired a friend to kill his parents in a hammer attack pleaded guilty Tuesday to two counts of attempted first-degree murder .
Joshua Miceli , 25 , was sentenced to 23 years in prison , according to DuPage County court records .
He will get credit for the time he has spent in jail since his arrest in February 2018 .
Miceli 's friend , Michael Targo , 20 , pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree murder in January .
He was sentenced to 16 years in prison in exchange for testimony he gave against Miceli @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , authorities said that Miceli was mad because his parents did not support his plan to become a blacksmith .
After killing the parents , Miceli would sell items he inherited and split the proceeds with Targo .
But Targo testified that Miceli was angry over more than the blacksmith dream .
Targo said Miceli told him he was angry that his parents had given money to his brother for hockey , instead of giving it to him .
He wanted it to pay for his girlfriend to have male-to-female sex-change surgery , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couch , waiting for a signal from Miceli , who was in the home 's kitchen .
He first attacked Miceli 's mother , who suffered a torn earlobe , a broken jaw and a broken facial bone .
He then went upstairs and attacked the father , who suffered cuts to his head , face and neck .
Miceli will have to serve at least 85 % of his sentence .

Glen Ellyn man pleads guilty in plot to kill parents
A Glen Ellyn man who hired a friend to kill his parents in a hammer attack pleaded guilty Tuesday to two counts of attempted first-degree murder.
Joshua Miceli, 25, was sentenced to 23 years in prison, according to DuPage County court records. He will get credit for the time he has spent in jail since his arrest in February 2018.
His friend Michael Targo, 20, pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree murder in January. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison in exchange for testimony he gave against Miceli.
At the time of the attack, authorities said that Miceli was mad because his parents did not support his plan to become a blacksmith. As part of the murder plot, Miceli planned to sell items he inherited and split the proceeds with Targo.
But Targo testified that Miceli was angry over more than the blacksmith dream. Targo said Miceli told him he was angry that his parents had given money to his brother for hockey, instead of giving it to him. He wanted it to pay for his girlfriend to have male-to-female sex-change surgery, Targo said.
Targo hid behind a couch, waiting for a signal from Miceli, who was in the home's kitchen. He first attacked Miceli's mother, who suffered a torn earlobe, a broken jaw and a broken facial bone.
He then went upstairs and attacked the father, who suffered cuts to his head, face and neck.
Miceli will have to serve at least 85% of his sentence.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-19--U.S. warns Americans against all overseas travel

WASHINGTON -- The Trump administration has upgraded its already dire warning to Americans against all international travel as the coronavirus outbreak spreads .
The State Department on Thursday issued a new alert urging Americans not to travel abroad under any circumstances and to return home if they are already abroad unless they plan to remain overseas .
`` The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19 , '' it said in the new advice .
`` In countries where commercial departure options remain available , U.S. citizens who live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediate return to the United States , unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period .
U.S. citizens who live abroad should avoid all international travel . ''
Until the upgrade , the department 's advice to U.S. citizens was to `` reconsider '' all international travel under what is known as a `` level three '' alert .
The global `` level four '' warning was unprecedented as such alerts are generally reserved for specific countries embroiled in conflict , natural disasters or where Americans face specific risks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ little practical effect because it is not mandatory and there are now limited transportation options for international travel .
The only way to ban Americans from going abroad would be to invalidate the use of U.S. passports for such travel , a bar that is currently in place only for North Korea .
In addition , the main impact of State Department travel alerts is to cause insurance companies to increase premiums or cancel travel policies for group and individual tours , many of which had been scrapped even before the alert was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The department has already advised Americans that many U.S. embassies and consulates abroad are operating with reduced staff and hours due to the COVID-19 outbreak and that services for Americans in need of assistance are limited .

U.S. warns Americans against all overseas travel
The State Department on Thursday issued a new alert urging Americans not to travel abroad under any circumstances and to return home if they are already abroad unless they plan to remain overseas. Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- The Trump administration has upgraded its already dire warning to Americans against all international travel as the coronavirus outbreak spreads.
The State Department on Thursday issued a new alert urging Americans not to travel abroad under any circumstances and to return home if they are already abroad unless they plan to remain overseas.
"The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19," it said in the new advice. "In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. U.S. citizens who live abroad should avoid all international travel."
Until the upgrade, the department's advice to U.S. citizens was to "reconsider" all international travel under what is known as a "level three" alert. The global "level four" warning was unprecedented as such alerts are generally reserved for specific countries embroiled in conflict, natural disasters or where Americans face specific risks.
However, the upgrade will likely have little practical effect because it is not mandatory and there are now limited transportation options for international travel. The only way to ban Americans from going abroad would be to invalidate the use of U.S. passports for such travel, a bar that is currently in place only for North Korea.
In addition, the main impact of State Department travel alerts is to cause insurance companies to increase premiums or cancel travel policies for group and individual tours, many of which had been scrapped even before the alert was raised to level three earlier this week.
The department has already advised Americans that many U.S. embassies and consulates abroad are operating with reduced staff and hours due to the COVID-19 outbreak and that services for Americans in need of assistance are limited.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-19--Midway tower still closed, FAA restricts small jets after touch-and-goes

About 82 % of flights at Midway International Airport are sidelined today because of weather and closure of the air traffic control tower , which is being disinfected after COVID-19 coronavirus .
Several technicians at the tower tested positive for the respiratory disease Tuesday , leading to 428 Midway flights out of 520 being canceled in the last 24 hours , the Chicago Department of Aviation reports .
Rain and fog is n't helping .
So far , `` we do n't have any flights ( this morning ) at Midway due to weather conditions '' and the tower closure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , a few local private pilots took advantage of the unusual peace and quiet on the runways Wednesday to execute several `` touch-and-go '' maneuvers , where planes touch down briefly without stopping , then take off .
Although the number of touch-and-go practices was small , the Federal Aviation Administration placed flight restrictions at Midway that permit only commercial flights and other authorized aircraft to land and depart , a spokesman said .
The limitations are intended to prevent any conflicts between private pilots and commercial jets while air traffic controllers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions continue through March 26 but can be canceled `` at any time . ''
`` The FAA will continue keeping Chicago city officials updated on our progress to ensure the health and safety of FAA employees as we conduct a thorough cleaning of the air traffic control tower at Chicago Midway Airport , '' the spokesman said .
Without air traffic controllers in the tower , Midway is operating on a `` one in , one out '' basis for airplanes .
Much of the air traffic in and out of Midway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Terminal Radar Approach Control ( TRACON ) facility in Elgin .
TRACON controllers will manage flights until within sight of Midway , then arriving pilots will announce their presence on the airport frequency .
Outbound pilots will announce their presence before departing , then be picked up by TRACON staff .
The FAA is in close contact with the airport , airlines and other stakeholders .
The airport remains open to commercial flights , following long-established procedures for operating at non-towered airports .
Passengers are advised to check their airlines before heading to @ @

Midway tower still closed, FAA restricts small jets after touch-and-goes
Southwest Airlines jets are idling at Midway due to weather and the closure of the air traffic control tower due to COVID-19. Associated Press, February 2012
About 82% of flights at Midway International Airport are sidelined today because of weather and closure of the air traffic control tower, which is being disinfected after COVID-19 coronavirus.
Several technicians at the tower tested positive for the respiratory disease Tuesday, leading to 428 Midway flights out of 520 being canceled in the last 24 hours, the Chicago Department of Aviation reports.
Rain and fog isn't helping. So far, "we don't have any flights (this morning) at Midway due to weather conditions" and the tower closure, a Southwest Airlines spokeswoman said.
Meanwhile, a few local private pilots took advantage of the unusual peace and quiet on the runways Wednesday to execute several "touch-and-go" maneuvers, where planes touch down briefly without stopping, then take off.
Although the number of touch-and-go practices was small, the Federal Aviation Administration placed flight restrictions at Midway that permit only commercial flights and other authorized aircraft to land and depart, a spokesman said.
The limitations are intended to prevent any conflicts between private pilots and commercial jets while air traffic controllers are absent from the tower.
The restrictions continue through March 26 but can be canceled "at any time."
"The FAA will continue keeping Chicago city officials updated on our progress to ensure the health and safety of FAA employees as we conduct a thorough cleaning of the air traffic control tower at Chicago Midway Airport," the spokesman said.
Without air traffic controllers in the tower, Midway is operating on a "one in, one out" basis for airplanes.
Much of the air traffic in and out of Midway has been handed off to the Chicago Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility in Elgin.
TRACON controllers will manage flights until within sight of Midway, then arriving pilots will announce their presence on the airport frequency. Outbound pilots will announce their presence before departing, then be picked up by TRACON staff.
The FAA is in close contact with the airport, airlines and other stakeholders. The airport remains open to commercial flights, following long-established procedures for operating at non-towered airports.
Passengers are advised to check their airlines before heading to Midway.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-18--Dining in: How you can help your favorite restaurants

My weekly Dining out column usually consists of suburban restaurant events and specials , new restaurant openings , refreshed menu offerings and more .
But now , with Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's order for all Illinois restaurants and bars to temporarily close dine-in service and transition solely to delivery or curbside pickup because of COVID-19 , things have changed .
There 's no doubt that the new restrictions are hitting suburban restaurants and their employees , from the head chef to the waitstaff to the cleanup crew , hard in the pocketbooks .
Here are some ways you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pickup from your favorite local restaurant .
• Order online directly from the restaurant 's website or call in your order directly to the restaurant .
• Buy restaurant gift cards now to use in the future or to give as gifts .
Some restaurants are offering incentives for buying gift cards now .
Some examples : Hofbrauhaus in Rosemont is offering customers who purchase $ 100 in gift cards a $ 40 bonus gift card to use between May 1 and Sept. 1 .
At Roka Akor in Oak Brook , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , $ 20 will go directly to the restaurant 's employee relief fund .
• Tip a little ( or a lot ) extra or consider rounding up your bill to the closest dollar .
Every little bit will help .
• Some eateries are offering free delivery or a discount on online orders .
If so , consider adding an extra tip in the amount of the delivery charge or discount savings .
• Follow suburban restaurants and bars on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram to see what specials they 're offering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For a database of what suburban and Chicago restaurants are offering , see diningatadistance.com/chi .
Do what you can now to help out your favorite dining spot so they can make it through what will undoubtedly be a tough time over the next few weeks or months .
If you have any suggestions for ways to help out , email me at clinden @ dailyherald.com .
James Beard award-winning chef and co-owner of Prairie Grass Cafe in Northbrook , Sarah Stegner will be available to answer your cooking questions from 2 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We realize that many people need help and we want to offer our assistance by providing information and answering cooking questions , '' Stegner said in a prepared statement .
Call the hotline at ( 847 ) 920-8437 .
For curbside pickup , see prairiegrasscafe.com/ .

Dining in: How you can help your favorite restaurants
Prairie Grass Cafe co-owner and chef Sarah Stegner is hosting a cooking questions hotline from 2 to 4 p.m. daily during the coronavirus crisis. Courtesy of Prairie Grass Cafe
My weekly Dining out column usually consists of suburban restaurant events and specials, new restaurant openings, refreshed menu offerings and more. But now, with Gov. J.B. Pritzker's order for all Illinois restaurants and bars to temporarily close dine-in service and transition solely to delivery or curbside pickup because of COVID-19, things have changed.
There's no doubt that the new restrictions are hitting suburban restaurants and their employees, from the head chef to the waitstaff to the cleanup crew, hard in the pocketbooks.
Here are some ways you can help:
• Order delivery or curbside pickup from your favorite local restaurant.
• Order online directly from the restaurant's website or call in your order directly to the restaurant.
• Buy restaurant gift cards now to use in the future or to give as gifts. Some restaurants are offering incentives for buying gift cards now. Some examples: Hofbrauhaus in Rosemont is offering customers who purchase $100 in gift cards a $40 bonus gift card to use between May 1 and Sept. 1. At Roka Akor in Oak Brook, for every $100 in gift cards purchased, $20 will go directly to the restaurant's employee relief fund.
• Tip a little (or a lot) extra or consider rounding up your bill to the closest dollar. Every little bit will help.
• Some eateries are offering free delivery or a discount on online orders. If so, consider adding an extra tip in the amount of the delivery charge or discount savings.
• Follow suburban restaurants and bars on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see what specials they're offering, as many are changing almost daily.
For a database of what suburban and Chicago restaurants are offering, see diningatadistance.com/chi.
Do what you can now to help out your favorite dining spot so they can make it through what will undoubtedly be a tough time over the next few weeks or months. If you have any suggestions for ways to help out, email me at clinden@dailyherald.com.
Chef opens daily hotline
James Beard award-winning chef and co-owner of Prairie Grass Cafe in Northbrook, Sarah Stegner will be available to answer your cooking questions from 2 to 4 p.m. daily during the coronavirus crisis. "We realize that many people need help and we want to offer our assistance by providing information and answering cooking questions," Stegner said in a prepared statement. Call the hotline at (847) 920-8437. For curbside pickup, see prairiegrasscafe.com/.
• To submit restaurant news, email clinden@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-19--Senior shoppers take advantage of special hours at Elgin Jewel

News that some stores were dedicating special hours for seniors brought the early birds out to Jewel-Osco on Larkin Avenue in Elgin Thursday .
`` I 'd been trying to come at off hours anyway , '' said Dave Thayer of Elgin .
`` But this makes it easier . ''
In a Twitter post Wednesday , Jewel-Osco said : `` We are asking that on Tuesdays & Thursdays , between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. , you allow our senior shoppers to have priority shopping with fewer customers in the stores .
We understand that this may not work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Other stores have made similar declarations , including Target , Whole Foods Market , Dollar General Store and Meijer .
Meijer announced stores will close from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily for deep-cleaning , though gas pumps will stay open 24 hours .
Meijer will reserve 7-8 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays for senior citizens and people with chronic health conditions .
Meijer employees and medical workers , first responders and law enforcement officers can shop from 7-8 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays .
The company asked shoppers `` to please respect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Walgreens announced stores will close from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. to allow for cleaning , though stores with 24-hour pharmacy drive-through will keep that service .
Elgin Fresh Market spelled out its new policy in a Facebook post .
`` The recent extraordinary events have impacted our entire community .
However , it has come to our attention that senior citizens and those with physical handicaps have found it especially difficult to access basic grocery and food services due to the long lines and crowded conditions . ''
The store 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9 a.m. on Wednesday , Thursday and Friday , and will be `` exclusively for the shopping needs of senior citizens that are 65 years of age and older , and those with physical handicaps .
These special hours and restrictions will be in effect until further notice .
Identification will be required as proof of age . ''
Ron Bass of Elgin said he was shopping during Jewel 's special hours out of caution .
`` I 'm just trying my best not to bring it in to the house , '' @ @ @ @ @ @

Senior shoppers take advantage of special hours
News that some stores were dedicating special hours for seniors brought the early birds out to Jewel-Osco on Larkin Avenue in Elgin Thursday.
"I'd been trying to come at off hours anyway," said Dave Thayer of Elgin. "But this makes it easier."
In a Twitter post Wednesday, Jewel-Osco said: "We are asking that on Tuesdays & Thursdays, between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., you allow our senior shoppers to have priority shopping with fewer customers in the stores. We understand that this may not work for everyone but appreciate everyone's consideration."
Other stores have made similar declarations, including Target, Whole Foods Market, Dollar General Store and Meijer.
Meijer announced stores will close from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily for deep-cleaning, though gas pumps will stay open 24 hours.
Meijer will reserve 7-8 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays for senior citizens and people with chronic health conditions. Meijer employees and medical workers, first responders and law enforcement officers can shop from 7 to 8 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.
The company asked shoppers "to please respect the times for these important groups."
Walgreens announced stores will close from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. to allow for cleaning, though stores with 24-hour pharmacy drive-through will keep that service.
Elgin Fresh Market spelled out its new policy in a Facebook post. "The recent extraordinary events have impacted our entire community. However, it has come to our attention that senior citizens and those with physical handicaps have found it especially difficult to access basic grocery and food services due to the long lines and crowded conditions."
The store's special hours will be 8 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and will be "exclusively for the shopping needs of senior citizens that are 65 years of age and older, and those with physical handicaps. These special hours and restrictions will be in effect until further notice. Identification will be required as proof of age."
Ron Bass of Elgin said he was shopping during Jewel's special hours out of caution. "I'm just trying my best not to bring it in to the house," Bass said of the virus.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-19--Congress urgently drafting $1 trillion economic rescue amid virus

WASHINGTON -- Congress worked urgently Thursday to fashion a $ 1 trillion measure to prop up households and the U.S. economy amid the coronavirus outbreak , starting with a White House proposal to send Americans first-round aid checks -- potentially $ 3,000 for a family of four .
The fast-track effort in an all but shuttered Capitol came as the first two lawmakers tested positive for the COVID-19 virus , others are self-isolating and the usually tradition-bound Congress faced calls to ease rules and allow remote voting .
`` The American people need help and they need it fast , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as he opened the Senate .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the checks would be direct deposited into people 's accounts under the plan the Trump administration has proposed to Congress .
The payments would be $ 1,000 per adult and $ 500 per child so that a family of two parents and two children would receive $ 3,000 , Mnuchin told Fox Business Network .
The goal is to get that money out in three weeks , he said .
`` That 's a lot of money for hard-working Americans , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idled workers as jobless claims skyrocket is a key element of both the Republican and Democratic plans emerging from Congress .
At the same time , caring for the expected surge of sick Americans is a priority .
Congress wants to ramp up production of medical supplies and rapidly erecting temporary field hospitals under new authorities President Donald Trump invoked in the Defense Production Act .
`` America needs a Marshall Plan for our health care system , `` said Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer , citing the post-World War II program in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
McConnell tapped the Senate 's Republican chairmen to roll out their proposals , expected as soon as Thursday .
Republicans want to have small businesses send paychecks to workers being forced to stay home -- though government loans that would not have to be repaid -- to prevent employees being cast aside .
They also want to shore up airlines and other industries , but those loans would have to be paid back .
Democrats compiling their own priorities in the House and Senate suggest other ways to keep paychecks flowing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- which he characterized as `` unemployment insurance on steroids . ''
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urged Trump to quickly use his new wartime authority to push manufacturers to start producing the medical supplies .
`` There is not a day to lose , '' Pelosi said in a statement .
`` We must put more testing , more protective equipment and more ventilators into the hands of our frontline workers immediately . ''
The centerpiece of the White House effort is $ 500 billion to start issuing direct payments to Americans , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department proposed two $ 250 billion cash infusions to individuals : a first set of checks issued starting April 6 , with a second wave by mid-May .
Officials have previously said the money is expected to be allocated by income level , to exclude the super-wealthy .
The emerging package would also funnel cash to businesses to help keep workers on payroll as widespread sectors of the $ 21 trillion U.S. economy all but shut down .
Industries of all kinds are lining up for help to avoid cratering the economy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Groups representing hospitals , doctors and nurses are asking Congress for $ 100 billion to help the health care system respond to the challenge of COVID-19 , which could involve providing treatment for tens of thousands of seriously ill people .
The total price tag is sure to grow beyond $ 1 trillion , lawmakers said .
Taken together , the administration plan promises half of the $ 1 trillion to families and individuals , with the other half used to prop up businesses and keep employees on payroll .
Direct payments would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be `` tiered based on income level and family size . ''
The two payments would be identical , with the second wave starting by May 18 .
Trump has already signed into law a $ 100 billion-plus bill to boost testing for the coronavirus and guarantee paid sick leave for millions of workers hit by it .
Earlier , Congress passed and Trump signed an initial $ 8.3 billion effort .
As Congress rushes to compile the sweeping economic rescue package , the biggest undertaking since the 2008 recession and financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it also is considering its own way of doing business .
The Senate plans to remain in session until the emerging coronavirus bill passes , with weekend sessions possible .
The House , which is on recess , wo n't be recalled until it 's time to vote .
In the House , Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart , R-Fla. , and Ben McAdams , D-Utah , released statements saying they had tested positive for COVID-19 -- the first two known cases in Congress .
Several other lawmakers have cycled in and out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later tested positive for the virus .
On Thursday , McAdams told NBC 's `` Today '' show the House should consider changing its rules to allow remote voting .
Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said he shares lawmakers ' concerns about the potential risks of congregating in groups and is considering ways to `` adjust our voting procedures '' to follow the Center for Disease Controls 's recommendations on social distancing .
Economists say the country is probably already in recession and that the massive rescue package now being drafted would probably not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ losses .
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 new 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 .
Associated Press writers Darlene Superville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jalonick in Washington contributed to this report .
The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute 's Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible for all content .

McConnell stimulus plan: $1,200 per person under $75K income threshold
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., walk to attend a Republican policy lunch on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, March 19, 2020. Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell proposed direct payments of $1,200 per person and $2,400 for couples as part of an initial Republican response Thursday to the coronavirus outbreak.
The GOP leader unveiled his plan as Congress raced to craft a $1 trillion rescue package to shore up households, healthcare and the U.S. economy amid the pandemic crisis and nationwide shutdown that's hurtling the country toward a likely recession.
"We need to take bold and swift action as soon as possible," McConnell, announcing his plan on the Senate floor.
It's an opening salvo in fast-track talks with Democrats as President Donald Trump urges Congress to "go big" to respond as Americans reel from the crisis.
Under the GOP leader's plan, the aid would be phased out at income thresholds of $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 per couple. Additionally, there would be $500 payments for each child.
McConnell's proposal aligns with the Trump administration's push to swiftly send a first round of checks to American households for immediate needs.
Additionally, the McConnell plan would provide $300 billion in loans to small businesses, including loans that would eventually be forgiven for employers who use them to meet payroll expenses.
Keeping paychecks flowing for idled workers as jobless claims skyrocket is a top priority for both Republican and Democratic plans emerging from Congress. But how best to send direct payments to Americans -- as one-time stipends, ongoing payroll support or unemployment checks -- is a crucial debate.
Democrats have their own proposals for ushering aid to Americans, and even McConnell's GOP senators panned Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin's idea of direct checks of $3,000 for a family of four -- preferring instead to use the federal dollars to keep workers who are asked to stay home on the business payrolls.
"What I want is income, not one check," said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., summing up the views of some exiting a long, private meeting of GOP senators on Capitol Hill.
Trump administration officials, including Mnuchin and economic adviser Larry Kudlow, are expected to return to Capitol Hill on Friday to launch bipartisan negotiations with Senate Democrats.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, on a conference call with more than 220 House Democrats, urged them to "think big," according to people on the call granted anonymity to discuss it.
Pelosi reminded them after her recent talk with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell that interest rates are low. The outlay should be considered an investment, Pelosi told them.
Democrats compiling their own priorities in the House and Senate suggest other ways to keep paychecks flowing in what Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer called "employment insurance" -- which he characterized as "unemployment insurance on steroids."
Schumer said utilizing the existing unemployment insurance system run by the states would be a "quick and easy" way to distribute money to the newly jobless.
"People desperately need it," Schumer said.
The swift-moving effort in an all-but-shuttered Capitol came as the first two lawmakers tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, others are self-isolating and the usually tradition-bound Congress faced calls to ease rules and allow remote voting.
To shore up industry, McConnell's plan would provide $208 billion in loans and loan guarantees to distressed sectors of the economy, including $50 billion for commercial airlines and $8 billion for air cargo carriers, and $150 billion for other eligible businesses, but those loans would have to be paid back.
Unlike the airline bailout after the 9/11 attacks, there would not be direct cash grants to airlines, according to the bill.
The measure would also allow people to make penalty-free withdrawals of up to $100,000 from their tax-deferred 401(k) retirement funds. It would also loosen tax rules on charitable giving.
The McConnell proposal would allow businesses to defer payment of the 6.2% employer payroll tax. Businesses would also receive more generous rules for business deductions of losses and interest costs.
At the same time, caring for the expected surge of sick Americans is a priority.
The McConnell proposal contains a raft of health care provisions -- including permanent liability protection for the manufacturers of respirators and other desperately needed medical gear -- but Democrats want more direct support to healthcare providers.
Democrats want to ramp up production of medical supplies and rapidly erect temporary field hospitals under new authorities Trump has invoked in the Defense Production Act.
"America needs a Marshall Plan for our health care system," said Schumer, citing the post-World War II program in which the U.S. financed rebuilding in Europe.
At the consumer level, McConnell's bill would put into federal law the commitment from insurers that coronavirus tests will be cost-free to policy holders. Additionally, the bill requires coverage of coronavirus vaccines as a preventive service, at no cost to patients.
For the health care industry, the bill would establish a new Medicare payment for treating COVID-19 patients. It would suspend through the end of this year a 2% Medicare payment.
Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden, the ranking Democrat overseeing Medicare and Medicaid, said the GOP approach "falls far short."
Groups representing hospitals, doctors and nurses are asking Congress for $100 billion.
Meanwhile, industries of all kinds are lining up for help to avoid cratering the economy and devastating the home lives of their employees.
The total price tag is sure to grow beyond $1 trillion, lawmakers said.
Trump has already signed into law a $100 billion-plus bill to boost testing for the coronavirus and guarantee paid sick leave for millions of workers hit by it. Earlier, Congress passed and Trump signed an initial $8.3 billion effort.
As Congress rushes to compile the sweeping economic rescue package, the biggest undertaking since the 2008 recession and financial crisis, in a matter of days, it also is considering its own way of doing business.
Pelosi tasked a top committee chairman to study potential changes in House procedures as some lawmakers press for remote voting.
The Senate plans to remain in session this weekend. The House, which is on recess, won't be recalled until it's time to vote.
In the House, Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., and Ben McAdams, D-Utah, released statements saying they had tested positive for COVID-19 -- the first two known cases in Congress. Several other lawmakers have cycled in and out of self-isolation after exposure to individuals who had later tested positive for the virus.
On Thursday, McAdams told NBC's "Today" show the House should consider changing its rules to allow remote voting.
Economists say the country is probably already in recession and the massive rescue package now being drafted would probably not be enough to stop millions of job losses.
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 new 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.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-19--Suburban restaurants are cooking up creative ideas in response to COVID-19

With restaurants shuttered to curb the spread of COVID-19 , suburban owners and chefs have been cooking up ways to continue feeding their customers and keep the orders coming .
Even before Gov .
J.B. Pritzker temporarily closed Illinois restaurants , calls for social distancing had the staff at Weber Grill , which has locations in Lombard , Schaumburg and Chicago , looking for ways provide the restaurant experience for people staying home .
While Weber Grill has been offering delivery for years through GrubHub and DoorDash , most of those orders were placed for single meals .
Starting last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pair of family packs available via DoorDash or curbside pickup that serve four to five people at a significant discount from the a la carte prices .
The $ 49 classic dinner pack includes meatloaf , beer can chicken or a mix of both , pretzel rolls with cheddar and whipped butter , and a choice of two sides such as garlic mashed potatoes or steamed broccoli .
For $ 79 , you can upgrade your entrees to grilled marinated strip steak and plank-grilled salmon .
`` Obviously , with the way that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be able to offer options for our guests , '' said Weber Grill marketing director Dan Rosier .
`` This allows everybody to stay home .
They can have a Weber experience in their dining room and escape from frozen meals and leftovers for at least one meal . ''
With restaurants closed for dine-in service through March 30 , spots throughout the suburbs have been coming up with creative solutions to serve customers and their employees .
Sullivan 's Steakhouse in Naperville is offering doorstep drop-off deliveries while Perry 's Steakhouse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offering a daily two-course lunch for $ 29 , a three-course menu for $ 45 and a four-course menu for $ 50 for curbside pickup .
Also , Perry 's Reserve Wines will be 50 % off with the purchase of food .
Osteria Trulli in Arlington Heights had done delivery though apps before , but now restaurant staff is providing the service and will even bring you a bottle of wine , checking ID at the door .
`` Maybe some people call for pasta with shrimp and ask 'Do you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'Yeah , we have a bottle of sauvignon blanc , ' '' said chef and owner Giovanni DeNigris .
`` Anything to round up some dollars through this economy .
I 'm not going to close .
I 'm going to keep my staff . ''
Weber Grill is also trying to cater to customers who enjoy cooking by offering grill-out packs for curbside carryout .
They include everything you need to make burgers and steaks at home including patties , buns , cheese and seasoning .
A pack of eight burgers is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steaks are $ 89.95 , and a mix of four burgers and four sirloin steaks is $ 59.95 .
Grilling instructions are included and additional tips and tricks will be available online .
`` We saw a connection with our guests not being able to come into our restaurant , but they want to at least do something fun and more of an experience , '' Rosier said .
`` We thought , why not let them pick up great burgers and steaks from Weber , take them home and they can grill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did plenty of delivery business are changing things up .
Lou Malnati 's started contact-free delivery over the weekend and is now doing curbside pickup for online orders .
`` Our lobbies are often very full of customers waiting for food , '' said owner Marc Malnati .
`` We 've decided the best way to keep our staff safe is to do all curbside .
All our customers feel safer not having to walk into a room with 10 or 15 to 20 people waiting for a pizza .
We 'll bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ salads and dressing as well .
We 'll bring everything out to people . ''
The company had previously offered curbside pickup at its Schaumburg location due to limited parking , but has never provided the service at this scale .
The new curbside program combines experience from that program with the recently launched Skip the Line function in the Lou Malnati 's app , which allows customers to prepay and use the app to notify employees when they arrive for pickup .
Malnati is anticipating high demand and will be keeping several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by having them work as delivery drivers or handle carryout orders .
`` We 're anticipating opening a few of our suburban carryout stores that currently are only open evenings during the day , '' he said .
`` With kids home from school and people needing to eat , we feel like we 're really providing a service to the community . ''
DeNigris is keeping his staff busy with a series of spring-cleaning projects including repainting and sanitizing the walk-in cooler .
`` I hope ( the closure is ) only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operation , but I have very loyal customers to support me , '' he said .
`` With delivery maybe we can manage to minimize things . ''
Weber Grill is down to a skeleton crew to support its delivery and to-go operations , and Rosier said he also hopes that the dine-in closures end soon .
`` We think the steps the government has taken are correct , '' he said .
`` Hopefully soon we can get all of our staff back working and serving all of our great customers .
@

Suburban restaurants are cooking up creative ideas in response to COVID-19
Perry's Steakhouse & Grille in Oak Brook has introduced a three-course to-go menu for $45, a four-course menu for $50 and a two-course daily lunch menu for $29 during the COVID-19 shutdown so you can enjoy salmon and other options at home. Courtesy of Perry's Steakhouse & Grille
With restaurants shuttered to curb the spread of COVID-19, suburban owners and chefs have been cooking up ways to continue feeding their customers and keep the orders coming.
Even before Gov. J.B. Pritzker temporarily closed Illinois restaurants, calls for social distancing had the staff at Weber Grill, which has locations in Lombard, Schaumburg and Chicago, looking for ways provide the restaurant experience for people staying home.
While Weber Grill has been offering delivery for years through GrubHub and DoorDash, most of those orders were placed for single meals. Starting last week, Weber Grill rolled out a pair of family packs available via DoorDash or curbside pickup that serve four to five people at a significant discount from the a la carte prices. The $49 classic dinner pack includes meatloaf, beer can chicken or a mix of both, pretzel rolls with cheddar and whipped butter, and a choice of two sides such as garlic mashed potatoes or steamed broccoli. For $79, you can upgrade your entrees to grilled marinated strip steak and plank-grilled salmon.
"Obviously, with the way that things have been happening, we want to be able to offer options for our guests," said Weber Grill marketing director Dan Rosier. "This allows everybody to stay home. They can have a Weber experience in their dining room and escape from frozen meals and leftovers for at least one meal."
With restaurants closed for dine-in service through March 30, spots throughout the suburbs have been coming up with creative solutions to serve customers and their employees.
- Joe Lewnard | Staff Photographer Weber Grill is offering to-go entrees such as salmon during the shutdown.
Sullivan's Steakhouse in Naperville is offering doorstep drop-off deliveries while Perry's Steakhouse & Grill in Oak Brook has started offering a daily two-course lunch for $29, a three-course menu for $45 and a four-course menu for $50 for curbside pickup. Also, Perry's Reserve Wines will be 50% off with the purchase of food.
Osteria Trulli in Arlington Heights had done delivery though apps before, but now restaurant staff is providing the service and will even bring you a bottle of wine, checking ID at the door.
"Maybe some people call for pasta with shrimp and ask 'Do you have any wine to go with.' 'Yeah, we have a bottle of sauvignon blanc,'" said chef and owner Giovanni DeNigris. "Anything to round up some dollars through this economy. I'm not going to close. I'm going to keep my staff."
The staff is now doing the deliveries for Osteria Trulli in Arlington Heights during the coronavirus crisis. - Courtesy of Osteria Trulli
Weber Grill is also trying to cater to customers who enjoy cooking by offering grill-out packs for curbside carryout. They include everything you need to make burgers and steaks at home including patties, buns, cheese and seasoning. A pack of eight burgers is $39.95, six 7-ounce filet mignon steaks are $89.95, and a mix of four burgers and four sirloin steaks is $59.95. Grilling instructions are included and additional tips and tricks will be available online.
"We saw a connection with our guests not being able to come into our restaurant, but they want to at least do something fun and more of an experience," Rosier said. "We thought, why not let them pick up great burgers and steaks from Weber, take them home and they can grill themselves."
The staff is now doing the deliveries for Osteria Trulli in Arlington Heights during the coronavirus crisis. - Courtesy of Osteria Trulli
Even restaurants that already did plenty of delivery business are changing things up. Lou Malnati's started contact-free delivery over the weekend and is now doing curbside pickup for online orders.
"Our lobbies are often very full of customers waiting for food," said owner Marc Malnati. "We've decided the best way to keep our staff safe is to do all curbside. All our customers feel safer not having to walk into a room with 10 or 15 to 20 people waiting for a pizza. We'll bring frozen pizza out to the cars and salads and dressing as well. We'll bring everything out to people."
The company had previously offered curbside pickup at its Schaumburg location due to limited parking, but has never provided the service at this scale. The new curbside program combines experience from that program with the recently launched Skip the Line function in the Lou Malnati's app, which allows customers to prepay and use the app to notify employees when they arrive for pickup. Malnati is anticipating high demand and will be keeping several hundred Chicago-area waitstaff employed throughout the crisis by having them work as delivery drivers or handle carryout orders.
"We're anticipating opening a few of our suburban carryout stores that currently are only open evenings during the day," he said. "With kids home from school and people needing to eat, we feel like we're really providing a service to the community."
- Joe Lewnard | Staff Photographer Weber Grill is offering to-go entrees during the shutdown.
DeNigris is keeping his staff busy with a series of spring-cleaning projects including repainting and sanitizing the walk-in cooler.
"I hope (the closure is) only two weeks because I'm a small operation, but I have very loyal customers to support me," he said. "With delivery maybe we can manage to minimize things."
Weber Grill is down to a skeleton crew to support its delivery and to-go operations, and Rosier said he also hopes that the dine-in closures end soon.
"We think the steps the government has taken are correct," he said. "Hopefully soon we can get all of our staff back working and serving all of our great customers."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-19--IHSA's Anderson hasn't given up on spring sports

Illinois High School Association Executive Director Craig Anderson said Thursday he 's hopeful a modified spring sports season will resume at some point .
In a radio interview with WMIX in Mount Vernon , Ill. , Anderson called the current situation a `` holding pattern '' as the IHSA awaits further instruction from state agencies .
`` At this point , much like our students and our schools -- waiting for advice as to when things can get back into some normalcy -- we 're doing the same thing , '' Anderson said .
`` We 're tentatively on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , at this point we 're not canceling our spring sports . ''
The IHSA canceled the boys basketball tournament March 12 and announced that no member schools should organize for spring practices or games while Illinois schools are closed through March 30 .
March 31 remains the target date for resumption of spring sports but governmental , educational and health officials ultimately will make that determination .
Anderson said it 's possible that if spring sports resume , with approval from the IHSA board of directors , the season could extend deeper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopeful that our spring sports can be played out with some form of regular season , some form of postseason , '' he said .
`` Obviously the future timelines that become available to us will dictate that . ''

IHSA's Anderson hasn't given up on spring sports
Craig Anderson, executive director of the Illinois High School Association, said it's possible spring sports could resume, but it would be with approval from government, health and school officials. Courtesy of the IHSA
Illinois High School Association Executive Director Craig Anderson said Thursday he's hopeful a modified spring sports season will resume at some point.
In a radio interview with WMIX in Mount Vernon, Ill., Anderson called the current situation a "holding pattern" as the IHSA awaits further instruction from state agencies.
"At this point, much like our students and our schools -- waiting for advice as to when things can get back into some normalcy -- we're doing the same thing," Anderson said. "We're tentatively on a hold. Unlike the (NCAA), at this point we're not canceling our spring sports."
The IHSA canceled the boys basketball tournament March 12 and announced that no member schools should organize for spring practices or games while Illinois schools are closed through March 30.
March 31 remains the target date for resumption of spring sports but governmental, educational and health officials ultimately will make that determination.
Anderson said it's possible that if spring sports resume, with approval from the IHSA board of directors, the season could extend deeper into the summer.
"We're hopeful that our spring sports can be played out with some form of regular season, some form of postseason," he said. "Obviously the future timelines that become available to us will dictate that."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-19--Abbott gets emergency OK to ship COVID-19 test kits, ramps up production

Abbott has received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration to ship its COVID-19 test kits , the company announced Thursday .
The North Chicago-based medical equipment company has begun sending out about 150,000 tests kits , with plans to ramp up production to 1 million tests per week by the end of March .
Tests already have been sent to hospital and academic medical center labs in 18 states , including Illinois , California , New York , Massachusetts and Washington .
Abbott 's kit tests for the SARS-CoV-2 virus , which the company says causes COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current Abbott equipment by authorized laboratories in the U.S .
The tests are designed to identify the virus by targeting small amounts of it and amplifying that portion until there 's enough for detection .
The company will also work with health systems and governments to provide additional test equipment where they are needed , officials said .
`` Our scientists , many of whom worked on Abbott 's first HIV test and the Zika tests , worked around the clock to develop these molecular tests , '' said Daman Kowalski , vice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abbott .

Abbott gets emergency OK to ship COVID-19 test kits, ramps up production
North Chicago-based Abbott has received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration to ship its COVID-19 test kits. Daily Herald file photo
Abbott has received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration to ship its COVID-19 test kits, the company announced Thursday.
The North Chicago-based medical equipment company has begun sending out about 150,000 tests kits, with plans to ramp up production to 1 million tests per week by the end of March. Tests already have been sent to hospital and academic medical center labs in 18 states, including Illinois, California, New York, Massachusetts and Washington.
Abbott's kit tests for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which the company says causes COVID-19. The test can be used on current Abbott equipment by authorized laboratories in the U.S. The tests are designed to identify the virus by targeting small amounts of it and amplifying that portion until there's enough for detection.
The company will also work with health systems and governments to provide additional test equipment where they are needed, officials said.
"Our scientists, many of whom worked on Abbott's first HIV test and the Zika tests, worked around the clock to develop these molecular tests," said Daman Kowalski, vice president and head of molecular diagnostics at Abbott.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-19--Department of Human Services announces office closures, staff reductions

SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois Department of Human Services said Thursday that it is closing many of its offices around the state and will reduce staffing at other offices at least through early April due to the coronavirus pandemic .
All offices of the Division of Rehabilitation Services , which serves people with disabilities , are closed until early April .
People who receive services through that division are able to reach their local offices through regular office phone numbers , which can be found on the office locator website .
Family and Community Resource Centers , where people go to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food , cash assistance and a wide range of other services , will remain open but will operate with significantly reduced staff of 30 percent to 50 percent .
While those offices will remain open , the agency urges anyone who is able to apply for and manage their benefits online to do so through the Application for Benefits Eligibility website , ABE.illinois.gov .
People may also call ( 800 ) 843-6154 .
The agency said many staff members who do not work directly with the public will be working remotely and will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Although there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 among the staff , the agency said it was taking the measures out of an abundance of caution , and in conformity with guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
`` As we work in coordination with our sister agency , the Illinois Department of Public Health , we learn new information daily , '' IDHS Secretary Grace B. Hou said in a statement .
`` We remain dedicated to finding the safest , most responsible way to keep life-giving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this crisis , but we need your help .
If you can , I urge you to use our online resources or call by phone . ''

Department of Human Services announces office closures, staff reductions
SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois Department of Human Services said Thursday that it is closing many of its offices around the state and will reduce staffing at other offices at least through early April due to the coronavirus pandemic.
All offices of the Division of Rehabilitation Services, which serves people with disabilities, are closed until early April. People who receive services through that division are able to reach their local offices through regular office phone numbers, which can be found on the office locator website.
Family and Community Resource Centers, where people go to apply for child care assistance, emergency food, cash assistance and a wide range of other services, will remain open but will operate with significantly reduced staff of 30 percent to 50 percent.
While those offices will remain open, the agency urges anyone who is able to apply for and manage their benefits online to do so through the Application for Benefits Eligibility website, ABE.illinois.gov. People may also call (800) 843-6154.
The agency said many staff members who do not work directly with the public will be working remotely and will still be able to process benefits.
Although there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 among the staff, the agency said it was taking the measures out of an abundance of caution, and in conformity with guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"As we work in coordination with our sister agency, the Illinois Department of Public Health, we learn new information daily," IDHS Secretary Grace B. Hou said in a statement. "We remain dedicated to finding the safest, most responsible way to keep life-giving and life-changing programs and services available throughout this crisis, but we need your help. If you can, I urge you to use our online resources or call by phone."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-20--'Our shelves are getting depleted': Food pantries seek donations to meet coronavirus demand

The next time shoppers reach for more rolls of toilet paper or cans of food , Laura Coyle wants them to think about people who ca n't afford to stash away extra supplies .
Coyle runs one of the suburban food pantries facing a series of challenges from the coronavirus crisis .
With far fewer volunteers , many have switched to drive-through services , but they 're struggling to meet an unexpected surge in demand driven by the outbreak 's toll on the economy .
Pantries are increasingly seeking food and financial donations , but they 're also urging shoppers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- a major source of their own supply .
`` We 're all in a place of uncertainty and everybody 's feeling anxious , but we all also want to be good neighbors and do what we can to help , and one of the best ways to do that is to buy only what you need and only what you know you can use , '' Coyle said .
`` If you want to buy extra , maybe buy extra and donate it to a food pantry because we 're really going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from grocery stores account for about 50 % of the items stocking the West Suburban Community Pantry in Woodridge .
But those donations are drying up as a result of consumer stockpiling , said Coyle , the executive director .
`` Our shelves are getting depleted , '' she said .
To stave off shortages , the pantry has , on its own , bought eggs and canned goods from retailers .
The pantry also needs cardboard boxes to distribute food through a new drive-through .
Online donations can be made through its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really , really low on canned vegetables specifically and canned fruits , but any dry goods are really greatly appreciated at this time , '' Coyle said .
Before the outbreak hit , the pantry would serve about 300 to 350 families in an average week .
Now , it 's on track to provide groceries for 500 families , `` if not more , '' Coyle said .
What 's behind the demand ?
College students whose campuses have shut down also have lost their food service program , Coyle said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home as elementary and high school closings disrupt meals for their children .
`` We do know that people are concerned that they do n't know for sure if they 're going to be getting paid , '' Coyle said .
`` Some of our clients are concerned that if they miss work because of child care issues or even themselves getting sick that they could potentially lose their job . ''
Orders with the Northern Illinois Food Bank provide another 20 % to 30 % of the pantry 's supply .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to nearly 900 partner agencies .
`` We 've seen a dramatic decline in retail donations and food recovery since last week -- as much as a 75 % reduction so far this week , '' spokeswoman Liz Gartman said via email Thursday .
The food bank expects retail donations to rebound a bit in the coming weeks , but it 's working closely with manufacturers and distribution centers to secure items to help mitigate the decline , Gartman said .
`` We 're continuing to source food through our typical channels and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've also seen increased prices there due to demand , '' she said .
`` We 're just trying to work through that and be creative to make sure we get the food we need . ''
On Wednesday , the food bank launched a packing effort in Geneva to fill `` emergency '' boxes of food and cleaning supplies for partners throughout its service area .
It will focus on making the 28-pound boxes available in communities where pantries have temporarily closed , Gartman said .
Volunteers packed 1,000 boxes headed for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 250 will go out as soon as they 're packed , likely early next week , Gartman said .
Lasting 10 to 14 days , the boxes contain soap , toilet paper , beans , rice , pasta , canned vegetables and fruit and other staples .
`` In total , we 'll be distributing 2,500 emergency boxes for this round , as we expect we will continue to pack and distribute these boxes in the weeks to come , '' Gartman said .
West Suburban Community Pantry , meanwhile , is reevaluating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Coyle said .
The nonprofit is trying to limit the number of volunteers to no more than 10 each shift due to coronavirus concerns .
`` Our goal really is to stay open in some fashion or another through all of this , '' Coyle said .
`` So we 're going to make whatever adjustments we need to make . ''

'Our shelves are getting depleted': Food pantries seek donations to meet coronavirus demand
The next time shoppers reach for more rolls of toilet paper or cans of food, Laura Coyle wants them to think about people who can't afford to stash away extra supplies.
Coyle runs one of the suburban food pantries facing a series of challenges from the coronavirus crisis. With far fewer volunteers, many have switched to drive-through services, but they're struggling to meet an unexpected surge in demand driven by the outbreak's toll on the economy.
Pantries are increasingly seeking food and financial donations, but they're also urging shoppers to stop panic buying in grocery stores -- a major source of their own supply.
"We're all in a place of uncertainty and everybody's feeling anxious, but we all also want to be good neighbors and do what we can to help, and one of the best ways to do that is to buy only what you need and only what you know you can use," Coyle said.
"If you want to buy extra, maybe buy extra and donate it to a food pantry because we're really going to need those supplies."
Donations from grocery stores account for about 50% of the items stocking the West Suburban Community Pantry in Woodridge. But those donations are drying up as a result of consumer stockpiling, said Coyle, the executive director.
"Our shelves are getting depleted," she said.
- Rick West | Staff Photographer Volunteer John Henry of St. Charles stacks crates of food at the Northern Illinois Food Bank West Suburban Center in Geneva Wednesday.
To stave off shortages, the pantry has, on its own, bought eggs and canned goods from retailers. The pantry also needs cardboard boxes to distribute food through a new drive-through. Online donations can be made through its website, wscpantry.org.
"We're really, really low on canned vegetables specifically and canned fruits, but any dry goods are really greatly appreciated at this time," Coyle said.
Before the outbreak hit, the pantry would serve about 300 to 350 families in an average week. Now, it's on track to provide groceries for 500 families, "if not more," Coyle said.
What's behind the demand? College students whose campuses have shut down also have lost their food service program, Coyle said.
Families are trying to have more resources at home as elementary and high school closings disrupt meals for their children.
"We do know that people are concerned that they don't know for sure if they're going to be getting paid," Coyle said. "Some of our clients are concerned that if they miss work because of child care issues or even themselves getting sick that they could potentially lose their job."
- Rick West | Staff Photographer Volunteer Diane McKillip of Woodridge loads a car with groceries at a new drive-up service at the West Suburban Community Pantry in Woodridge. The nonprofit organization and other suburban food pantries are seeing a significant increase in users as a result of the economic fallout from the coronavirus.
Orders with the Northern Illinois Food Bank provide another 20% to 30% of the pantry's supply. Overall, the food bank distributes groceries to nearly 900 partner agencies.
"We've seen a dramatic decline in retail donations and food recovery since last week -- as much as a 75% reduction so far this week," spokeswoman Liz Gartman said via email Thursday.
The food bank expects retail donations to rebound a bit in the coming weeks, but it's working closely with manufacturers and distribution centers to secure items to help mitigate the decline, Gartman said.
"We're continuing to source food through our typical channels and looking at purchasing products, but we've also seen increased prices there due to demand," she said. "We're just trying to work through that and be creative to make sure we get the food we need."
On Wednesday, the food bank launched a packing effort in Geneva to fill "emergency" boxes of food and cleaning supplies for partners throughout its service area. It will focus on making the 28-pound boxes available in communities where pantries have temporarily closed, Gartman said.
- Rick West | Staff Photographer Volunteers assemble orders for a new drive-up service at the West Suburban Community Pantry in Woodridge.
Volunteers packed 1,000 boxes headed for pantries as early as today. Another 250 will go out as soon as they're packed, likely early next week, Gartman said. Lasting 10 to 14 days, the boxes contain soap, toilet paper, beans, rice, pasta, canned vegetables and fruit and other staples.
"In total, we'll be distributing 2,500 emergency boxes for this round, as we expect we will continue to pack and distribute these boxes in the weeks to come," Gartman said.
West Suburban Community Pantry, meanwhile, is reevaluating distribution hours "day to day," Coyle said. The nonprofit is trying to limit the number of volunteers to no more than 10 each shift due to coronavirus concerns.
"Our goal really is to stay open in some fashion or another through all of this," Coyle said. "So we're going to make whatever adjustments we need to make."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-19--Some families bring relatives home from Arlington Heights senior living center

After learning a staff member at the Church Creek Senior Living center in Arlington Heights contracted COVID-19 , Kathy Brush decided to take her 95-year-old mother out of an independent living apartment there to stay home with her in Rolling Meadows .
`` I wanted to before somebody had it , '' Brush said Thursday after picking up her mother , Angie .
`` I feel safer in my home .
I have n't left the house since Friday other than to go to the senior center today .
I 'm not in contact with anybody . ''
Residents and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the memory care wing of Church Creek , 1250 W. Central Road , tested positive for the novel coronavirus .
Officials from Five Star Senior Living , which offers memory care , independent living and assisted living housing within the senior center complex , said the employee is in quarantine and receiving medical care .
They said they are not aware of any other resident or employee testing positive for the coronavirus .
They were informed of the news by local health officials Tuesday .
`` We will continue to work closely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure all residents and team members have the appropriate and necessary medical support , '' Suzanne Venema , Church Creek 's executive director , wrote in a letter to residents , family and staffers .
`` It is important to note that our team members are well prepared and specifically trained for infection prevention and control practices , and we have detailed plans in place to safeguard other residents at Church Creek . ''
As a precaution , residents are essentially confined to their rooms , Brush said , meaning they ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meals or participate in any group social activities , such as bingo or movie nights .
`` Between my brothers , sister and myself , we all felt it was in her best interest , '' Brush said of the decision to bring their mother home .
`` At least she 's getting socialization . ''
Brush said it 's a choice other families have made .
Two of her mother 's friends also went home with their families in recent days .
`` I told ( the staff ) when we left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hall and can leave their apartments , then hey , she can go back , '' Brush said .
`` But until they lift that restriction , then what 's the point ? ''
Nonessential visitors are barred from entering Church Creek , and staff members and essential visitors are asked to use only the front main entrance .
Essential visitors include health care providers and caregivers , home care and hospice agency staffers , immediate relatives or friends only at critical times such as during a resident 's severe illness , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flu-like symptoms or who have traveled in the last two weeks to places hard hit by the coronavirus are asked not to visit .
All staff members and essential visitors are having their temperatures taken and are asked to wash their hands before entering the center , officials say .

Some families bring relatives home from Arlington Heights senior living center
After learning a staff member at the Church Creek Senior Living center in Arlington Heights contracted COVID-19, Kathy Brush decided to take her 95-year-old mother out of an independent living apartment there to stay home with her in Rolling Meadows.
"I wanted to before somebody had it," Brush said Thursday after picking up her mother, Angie. "I feel safer in my home. I haven't left the house since Friday other than to go to the senior center today. I'm not in contact with anybody."
Residents and their families learned Wednesday a staff member in the memory care wing of Church Creek, 1250 W. Central Road, tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
Officials from Five Star Senior Living, which offers memory care, independent living and assisted living housing within the senior center complex, said the employee is in quarantine and receiving medical care.
They said they are not aware of any other resident or employee testing positive for the coronavirus. They were informed of the news by local health officials Tuesday.
"We will continue to work closely with local health officials in Cook County to ensure all residents and team members have the appropriate and necessary medical support," Suzanne Venema, Church Creek's executive director, wrote in a letter to residents, family and staffers. "It is important to note that our team members are well prepared and specifically trained for infection prevention and control practices, and we have detailed plans in place to safeguard other residents at Church Creek."
As a precaution, residents are essentially confined to their rooms, Brush said, meaning they can't go to the dining room for meals or participate in any group social activities, such as bingo or movie nights.
"Between my brothers, sister and myself, we all felt it was in her best interest," Brush said of the decision to bring their mother home. "At least she's getting socialization."
Brush said it's a choice other families have made. Two of her mother's friends also went home with their families in recent days.
"I told (the staff) when we left today, when they open the dining hall and can leave their apartments, then hey, she can go back," Brush said. "But until they lift that restriction, then what's the point?"
Nonessential visitors are barred from entering Church Creek, and staff members and essential visitors are asked to use only the front main entrance. Essential visitors include health care providers and caregivers, home care and hospice agency staffers, immediate relatives or friends only at critical times such as during a resident's severe illness, and vendors needed urgently.
Essential visitors experiencing flu-like symptoms or who have traveled in the last two weeks to places hard hit by the coronavirus are asked not to visit.
All staff members and essential visitors are having their temperatures taken and are asked to wash their hands before entering the center, officials say.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-20--District 300 Food Pantry adapts food distribution amid COVID-19 concerns

As 31 school buildings within Algonquin-based Community Unit District 300 were dormant Thursday , a few volunteers gathered at Carpentersville Middle School to package food for a weekend distribution .
Organizers of the District 300 Food Pantry are trying to adapt to the new norm -- providing food assistance to families in need amid a statewide schools shutdown due to the COVID-19 outbreak .
As the only school-based food pantry in Kane and McHenry counties , it offered drive-through distribution last Saturday .
`` It went remarkably well , and we served 101 families , '' Executive Director Leslie LaMarca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our staple products : jelly , syrup , cans of pasta , tomato products , hearty soups , snacks , granola bars , apple sauce .
We were lucky enough this week to get some donations from Aramark ( food service provider for schools ) of yogurt cups and additional produce .
We have enough right now that we 're going to get through the next distribution . ''
Food will be distributed from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the middle school , 100 Cleveland Ave. Cars are expected to start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 .
The volunteer-run pantry , which has a satellite site within Jacobs High School , serves roughly 1,000 registered District 300 families .
LaMarca is seeking cash donations to restock the pantry 's now bare shelves .
`` We will not turn anything away .
Our preference is for cash right now ... to help us stay as streamlined and efficient as possible , '' she said .
Donations of food require more manpower and time to process , which can be cumbersome during this time of reduced social contact .
Despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refused to take on volunteers from the general public , restricting the handling of goods to roughly 10 volunteers who make up the core pantry leadership .
They are packing boxes in three-hour shifts so no more than five people work together at any time , LaMarca said .
`` I know they will put their gloves on , they will wash their hands , they wo n't show up sick ...
I have to be cautious of my volunteers ' health too , '' she said .
`` It 's a scary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing the best we can .
he longer this goes on , it 's going to get harder . ''

District 300 Food Pantry adapts food distribution amid COVID-19 concerns
John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.comThe D300 Food Pantry uses it's own shopping carts as volunteers pack boxes at the D300 Pantry in East Dundee to be distributed to District 300 families on Saturday.
John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.comVolunteer Denise Knieriemen, of Carpentersville packs a box at the D300 Food Pantry in East Dundee to be distributed to District 300 families on Saturday. She found a social media posting asking for volunteers. "It's my local community and I'm grateful that they are here."
John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.comA list of items is posted for volunteers to pack boxes at the D300 Food Pantry in East Dundee to be distributed to District 300 families on Saturday.
John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.comVolunteer team leader Becky Welte, right, and others pack boxes at the D300 Food Pantry in East Dundee to be distributed to District 300 families on Saturday.
As 31 school buildings within Algonquin-based Community Unit District 300 were dormant Thursday, a few volunteers gathered at Carpentersville Middle School to package food for a weekend distribution.
Organizers of the District 300 Food Pantry are trying to adapt to the new norm -- providing food assistance to families in need amid a statewide schools shutdown due to the COVID-19 outbreak. As the only school-based food pantry in Kane and McHenry counties, it offered drive-through distribution last Saturday.
"It went remarkably well, and we served 101 families," Executive Director Leslie LaMarca said. "We went through many of our staple products: jelly, syrup, cans of pasta, tomato products, hearty soups, snacks, granola bars, apple sauce. We were lucky enough this week to get some donations from Aramark (food service provider for schools) of yogurt cups and additional produce. We have enough right now that we're going to get through the next distribution."
Food will be distributed from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the middle school, 100 Cleveland Ave. Cars are expected to start lining up around 8 a.m. by Door 20. Food will be distributed every other Saturday. After this weekend's distribution, it will reopen April 4.
The volunteer-run pantry, which has a satellite site within Jacobs High School, serves roughly 1,000 registered District 300 families.
LaMarca is seeking cash donations to restock the pantry's now bare shelves.
"We will not turn anything away. Our preference is for cash right now ... to help us stay as streamlined and efficient as possible," she said.
Donations of food require more manpower and time to process, which can be cumbersome during this time of reduced social contact.
Despite community interest to help, organizers have refused to take on volunteers from the general public, restricting the handling of goods to roughly 10 volunteers who make up the core pantry leadership. They are packing boxes in three-hour shifts so no more than five people work together at any time, LaMarca said.
"I know they will put their gloves on, they will wash their hands, they won't show up sick ... I have to be cautious of my volunteers' health too," she said. "It's a scary time for everyone. We are all doing the best we can. The longer this goes on, it's going to get harder."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-20--Elgin U-46 student has the COVID-19 virus, CEO says

An Elgin Area Unit District U-46 student has contracted the COVID-19 coronavirus , the district 's CEO said Thursday .
Tony Sanders said in an emailed statement Thursday that the Cook County Health Department told U-46 officials a student who attends Independence Center for Early Learning in Bartlett has a confirmed case of the coronavirus .
Because of privacy laws , Sanders would say only that the student has been isolated for the past several days .
`` I do ask you to keep the student and his family in your thoughts and prayers , and also to respect their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Notification has been sent to Independence staff and families tonight . ''
Sanders noted that Chicago Public Schools now will be closed through April 20 , but U-46 -- the state 's second-largest school district after Chicago 's -- is not making such a move yet .
`` We will await further guidance from the state , '' he said .
He said that `` given the likelihood of further extensions , '' the district on Friday would share plans for `` Phase 2 '' of its distance learning plan , `` including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families without a personal tablet , laptop , desktop , or U-46 issued Chromebook in grades K-4 . ''
He also said that after 12,589 bags of food totaling 37,767 meals were distributed Thursday , along with 12,589 snacks , U-46 will next distribute food on Monday , March 23 .

Elgin U-46 student has the COVID-19 virus, CEO says
An Elgin Area Unit District U-46 student has contracted the COVID-19 coronavirus, the district's CEO said Thursday.
Tony Sanders said in an emailed statement Thursday that the Cook County Health Department told U-46 officials a student who attends Independence Center for Early Learning in Bartlett has a confirmed case of the coronavirus.
Because of privacy laws, Sanders would say only that the student has been isolated for the past several days.
"I do ask you to keep the student and his family in your thoughts and prayers, and also to respect their privacy," Sanders wrote. "Notification has been sent to Independence staff and families tonight."
Sanders noted that Chicago Public Schools now will be closed through April 20, but U-46 -- the state's second-largest school district after Chicago's -- is not making such a move yet. "We will await further guidance from the state," he said.
He said that "given the likelihood of further extensions," the district on Friday would share plans for "Phase 2" of its distance learning plan, "including how we will be providing Chromebooks to families without a personal tablet, laptop, desktop, or U-46 issued Chromebook in grades K-4."
He also said that after 12,589 bags of food totaling 37,767 meals were distributed Thursday, along with 12,589 snacks, U-46 will next distribute food on Monday, March 23.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-20--COVID-19 isolation can be a dangerous time for victims of domestic violence

Not many of us are enjoying the social isolation and cabin fever that come with the near lockdown conditions imposed during the coronavirus pandemic .
But for those living with the threat of domestic violence , this can be an especially difficult -- and dangerous -- time .
`` The stress of the whole situation we 're dealing with can certainly cause violence to escalate , '' Rebecca Darr , CEO of Palatine-based WINGS , told us Thursday .
Established in 1985 , WINGS operates two emergency shelters for those escaping domestic violence , as well as programs offering counseling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the shelters , WINGS provides housing for about 200 people at apartments and homes scattered across the Northwest suburbs .
Because the need to help is n't going away , WINGS ' shelters will remain open during the outbreak , with added precautions to allow for social distancing and safe sharing of common spaces , Darr said .
The agency 's staff continues to work with their clients , by phone or video when they can , though that 's not always possible .
`` These are dedicated people putting their health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some of the reasons for concerns about an increase in domestic violence are obvious -- anxiety over job loss and financial uncertainty , isolation from the outside world , proximity for extended periods of time .
Others are less clear .
Darr said a big concern is victims ' ability to seek help .
Often victims call for assistance or leave when their abuser is out of the home for work or social activities .
`` If the abuser is furloughed from work or not going out , there 's no opportunity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Our call volumes are actually down , and that 's concerning because it may be because people do n't have an opportunity or are afraid to go into a safe house ( for health reasons ) . ''
Regardless of the circumstances , Darr said anyone facing violence in the home can call WINGS ' 24-hour hotline , ( 847 ) 221-5680 or , if a threat is imminent , 911 .
`` We want people to know we will do everything in our power to get people out of domestic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going on out there , '' she said .
How to help One of the biggest challenges facing WINGS now is that its primary source of revenue -- resale shops in Arlington Heights , Schaumburg and Niles -- has been closed because of the COVID-19 outbreak .
`` Families rely on us for basic needs , and we provide for 200 to 300 people every day , '' Darr said .
WINGS has set up a COVID-19 relief fund .
To help out with a financial donation , visit www.wingsprogram.com/donate/ .
That 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week when it threw out the conviction and 17-year prison sentence of a Lake County man arrested on several drug offenses , even after he cooperated with police to avoid charges .
The unanimous ruling stems from the case of Jason B .
Banks , 36 , who was arrested in March 2017 on allegations he sold heroin to undercover police officers six times over the previous three months .
After his arrest , court documents say , Banks agreed to `` work off '' his charges by helping police infiltrate a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the deal , documents state , by setting up an undercover drug buy with another suspected dealer 10 days later .
After that , though , word got out about Banks ' cooperation and he could no longer arrange deals .
About a month later , Banks was arrested on six counts of delivering a controlled substance .
He fought the charges at trial but was convicted in May 2018 and sentenced to 17 years in prison .
All of that violated Banks ' agreement with police , the appellate court ruled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led to only one arrest -- fewer than police wanted -- appellate judges blamed that on police for arresting him barely a month into their deal .
`` We determine that defendant 's due process rights were violated when the police breached defendant 's agreement ... and when the police prematurely charged and arrested defendant , thereby preventing him from completing his obligations , '' Judge Robert D. McLaren wrote in the 14-page decision .
`` Where the government enters into an agreement with a prospective defendant and he acts to his detriment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a matter of fair conduct , the government is required to honor such an agreement . ''
The Lake County state 's attorney 's office now has about a month to appeal the decision to the Illinois Supreme Court .
If it chooses not to , Banks will be released and his record expunged .
• Have a question , tip or comment ?
Email us at copsandcrime @ dailyherald.com .

COVID-19 isolation can be a dangerous time for victims of domestic violence
Rebecca Darr, CEO of Palatine-based WINGS, said the isolation that comes with the need for social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic presents added risks for those living with the threat of domestic violence. Daily Herald File Photo, 2017
Not many of us are enjoying the social isolation and cabin fever that come with the near lockdown conditions imposed during the coronavirus pandemic.
But for those living with the threat of domestic violence, this can be an especially difficult -- and dangerous -- time.
"The stress of the whole situation we're dealing with can certainly cause violence to escalate," Rebecca Darr, CEO of Palatine-based WINGS, told us Thursday.
Established in 1985, WINGS operates two emergency shelters for those escaping domestic violence, as well as programs offering counseling and long-term assistance to victims. Along with the shelters, WINGS provides housing for about 200 people at apartments and homes scattered across the Northwest suburbs.
Because the need to help isn't going away, WINGS' shelters will remain open during the outbreak, with added precautions to allow for social distancing and safe sharing of common spaces, Darr said. The agency's staff continues to work with their clients, by phone or video when they can, though that's not always possible.
"These are dedicated people putting their health at risk," Darr said.
Some of the reasons for concerns about an increase in domestic violence are obvious -- anxiety over job loss and financial uncertainty, isolation from the outside world, proximity for extended periods of time.
Others are less clear.
Darr said a big concern is victims' ability to seek help. Often victims call for assistance or leave when their abuser is out of the home for work or social activities.
"If the abuser is furloughed from work or not going out, there's no opportunity to call for help," she said. "Our call volumes are actually down, and that's concerning because it may be because people don't have an opportunity or are afraid to go into a safe house (for health reasons)."
Regardless of the circumstances, Darr said anyone facing violence in the home can call WINGS' 24-hour hotline, (847) 221-5680 or, if a threat is imminent, 911.
"We want people to know we will do everything in our power to get people out of domestic violence situations, regardless of what's going on out there," she said.
How to help
One of the biggest challenges facing WINGS now is that its primary source of revenue -- resale shops in Arlington Heights, Schaumburg and Niles -- has been closed because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
"Families rely on us for basic needs, and we provide for 200 to 300 people every day," Darr said.
WINGS has set up a COVID-19 relief fund. To help out with a financial donation, visit www.wingsprogram.com/donate/.
No empty promises
A deal is a deal.
That's the message a state appeals court delivered last week when it threw out the conviction and 17-year prison sentence of a Lake County man arrested on several drug offenses, even after he cooperated with police to avoid charges.
Jason B. Banks -
The unanimous ruling stems from the case of Jason B. Banks, 36, who was arrested in March 2017 on allegations he sold heroin to undercover police officers six times over the previous three months.
After his arrest, court documents say, Banks agreed to "work off" his charges by helping police infiltrate a drug organization. Banks upheld his end of the deal, documents state, by setting up an undercover drug buy with another suspected dealer 10 days later.
After that, though, word got out about Banks' cooperation and he could no longer arrange deals.
About a month later, Banks was arrested on six counts of delivering a controlled substance. He fought the charges at trial but was convicted in May 2018 and sentenced to 17 years in prison.
All of that violated Banks' agreement with police, the appellate court ruled last week. Although Banks' cooperation led to only one arrest -- fewer than police wanted -- appellate judges blamed that on police for arresting him barely a month into their deal.
"We determine that defendant's due process rights were violated when the police breached defendant's agreement ... and when the police prematurely charged and arrested defendant, thereby preventing him from completing his obligations," Judge Robert D. McLaren wrote in the 14-page decision.
"Where the government enters into an agreement with a prospective defendant and he acts to his detriment in reliance on the agreement, as a matter of fair conduct, the government is required to honor such an agreement."
The Lake County state's attorney's office now has about a month to appeal the decision to the Illinois Supreme Court. If it chooses not to, Banks will be released and his record expunged.
• Have a question, tip or comment? Email us at copsandcrime@dailyherald.com.