dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-22--Suburban firefighters gather to mourn colleague who died in accident last week

Fire trucks and ambulances formed a funeral procession Wednesday to honor a veteran Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Fire Protection District firefighter/paramedic who died in an off-duty accident last week .
Vehicles from Lincolnshire-Riverwoods and the McHenry Township Fire Protection District escorted Mark Amore 's casket to St. Patrick 's Cemetery in McHenry .
Amore , 46 , of McHenry , served with both departments over a 25-year career .
Amore also worked as a heavy equipment operator for a suburban company .
He died April 16 when a construction vehicle he was using at a Fox Lake marina went into the water and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Amore 's immediate family was said Wednesday morning at the Church of Holy Apostles in McHenry .
The ceremony was livestreamed online so other mourners could observe .
After the Mass , a traditional bell-ringing ceremony and other activities were held outside the building so other gathered mourners could observe .
The U.S. flag covering Amore 's coffin was formally folded and presented to Amore 's widow , Jaimie .
Arlington Heights Fire Lt. Matt Yegge , a friend of Amore 's , shared some remarks , too , and a piper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some police officers were among the mourners .
After the bell ceremony , firefighters loaded Amore 's casket onto the back of a Lincolnshire-Riverwoods truck for transportation to the cemetery .
The truck was adorned with purple and black memorial bunting , as were other vehicles in the procession .
The activities were more sparsely attended than traditional firefighter funerals because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Participating firefighters wore protective masks , but other mourners did not .
Amore , whose father was former McHenry Township fire district Chief Wayne Amore , joined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs in public safety .
He jumped to the Lincolnshire-Riverwoods district in 2001 .
In addition to his wife , Amore 's survivors include two children and his parents .
Memorial donations may be given to Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer at maccfund.org .
Donations for Amore 's children can be sent to the Mark Amore Tribute Fund , care of Justen Funeral Home , 3700 W. Charles J. Miller Road , McHenry , IL , 60050 .

Suburban firefighters gather to mourn colleague who died in accident last week
Fire trucks and ambulances formed a funeral procession Wednesday to honor a veteran Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Fire Protection District firefighter/paramedic who died in an off-duty accident last week.
Vehicles from Lincolnshire-Riverwoods and the McHenry Township Fire Protection District escorted Mark Amore's casket to St. Patrick's Cemetery in McHenry. Amore, 46, of McHenry, served with both departments over a 25-year career.
Amore also worked as a heavy equipment operator for a suburban company. He died April 16 when a construction vehicle he was using at a Fox Lake marina went into the water and overturned.
A funeral Mass open only to Amore's immediate family was said Wednesday morning at the Church of Holy Apostles in McHenry. The ceremony was livestreamed online so other mourners could observe.
After the Mass, a traditional bell-ringing ceremony and other activities were held outside the building so other gathered mourners could observe.
The U.S. flag covering Amore's coffin was formally folded and presented to Amore's widow, Jaimie.
Arlington Heights Fire Lt. Matt Yegge, a friend of Amore's, shared some remarks, too, and a piper performed.
Dozens of uniformed firemen and some police officers were among the mourners. After the bell ceremony, firefighters loaded Amore's casket onto the back of a Lincolnshire-Riverwoods truck for transportation to the cemetery. The truck was adorned with purple and black memorial bunting, as were other vehicles in the procession.
The activities were more sparsely attended than traditional firefighter funerals because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participating firefighters wore protective masks, but other mourners did not.
Amore, whose father was former McHenry Township fire district Chief Wayne Amore, joined that department in the mid-1990s after other jobs in public safety. He jumped to the Lincolnshire-Riverwoods district in 2001.
In addition to his wife, Amore's survivors include two children and his parents.
Memorial donations may be given to Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer at maccfund.org. Donations for Amore's children can be sent to the Mark Amore Tribute Fund, care of Justen Funeral Home, 3700 W. Charles J. Miller Road, McHenry, IL, 60050.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-22--Settlement may be coming in Buffalo Wild Wings race incident

Ten children who witnessed a case of racial bias at a Naperville restaurant last October may receive cash settlements , according to DuPage County court records .
A petition was filed Monday by attorney Cannon Lambert , who spoke last fall on behalf of a group of 18 people who said they were discriminated against by workers at a Buffalo Wild Wings .
The petition does not refer to the restaurant by name .
But it says the children , identified only by their initials , were involved in an `` incident '' Oct. 26 at 2555 W. 75th St. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wild Wings restaurant .
On that date , a host asked about the racial makeup of some customers in their group before seating them .
Two managers later asked the group to change seats .
The employees later told police they were trying to avoid having the group near two white patrons who previously espoused racist views .
The host and one of the managers were black ; the other manager was white .
The host quit that night , and the two managers were fired .
Lambert could not be reached for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communications officer for Inspire Brands , which owns the Buffalo Wild Wings brand .
The Naperville restaurant is a franchise , owned by Blazin Wings Inc. At a Nov. 5 news conference , Lambert said the families did not plan to take legal action because `` there is no need to file a lawsuit if there 's no disagreement '' that what happened was wrong .
He said Buffalo Wild Wings needed to be held accountable , `` but that does not mean that it has to come in the form of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want Buffalo Wild Wings to screen employees before hiring ; inform applicants the corporation expects workers to be racially sensitive while on the job ; and ensure the company 's employee handbook clearly states that there is zero tolerance for racial bigotry and that employees will be fired for bigoted conduct .
Six of the children would receive $ 9,500 each , according to the petition .
Four other children would split $ 9,500 .
Their parents would receive the awards on their behalf .
The parents are identified only by their initials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seal the file and all documents related to the matter , including the petition .
A May 21 court hearing has been set .

Settlement may be coming in Buffalo Wild Wings race incident
Ten children who witnessed a case of racial bias at a Naperville restaurant last October may receive cash settlements, according to DuPage County court records.
A petition was filed Monday by attorney Cannon Lambert, who spoke last fall on behalf of a group of 18 people who said they were discriminated against by workers at a Buffalo Wild Wings.
The petition does not refer to the restaurant by name. But it says the children, identified only by their initials, were involved in an "incident" Oct. 26 at 2555 W. 75th St. That's the address of the Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant.
On that date, a host asked about the racial makeup of some customers in their group before seating them. Two managers later asked the group to change seats.
The employees later told police they were trying to avoid having the group near two white patrons who previously espoused racist views.
The host and one of the managers were black; the other manager was white. The host quit that night, and the two managers were fired.
Lambert could not be reached for comment Wednesday and neither could the chief communications officer for Inspire Brands, which owns the Buffalo Wild Wings brand. The Naperville restaurant is a franchise, owned by Blazin Wings Inc.
At a Nov. 5 news conference, Lambert said the families did not plan to take legal action because "there is no need to file a lawsuit if there's no disagreement" that what happened was wrong. He said Buffalo Wild Wings needed to be held accountable, "but that does not mean that it has to come in the form of a lawsuit."
Lambert said the families want Buffalo Wild Wings to screen employees before hiring; inform applicants the corporation expects workers to be racially sensitive while on the job; and ensure the company's employee handbook clearly states that there is zero tolerance for racial bigotry and that employees will be fired for bigoted conduct.
Six of the children would receive $9,500 each, according to the petition. Four other children would split $9,500. Their parents would receive the awards on their behalf. The parents are identified only by their initials.
The petition asks the court to seal the file and all documents related to the matter, including the petition. A May 21 court hearing has been set.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-22--DuPage County Fair canceled

DuPage County Fair canceled

The DuPage County Fair , originally scheduled for July 22 through 26 in Wheaton , has been canceled due to @ @ @ @ @ officials said they will huddle with representatives of the farm bureau , 4-H Youth Development @ @ @ @ @ exhibitors to determine how and when to continue the fair .
They said such discussions @ @ @ @ @ a fair could look like later this year . ''
Officials said they now will @ @ @ @ @ activities at the fairgrounds at 2015 Manchester Road .
They said they are expanding the @ @ @ @ @ on a beautification plan .

DuPage County Fair canceled
The DuPage County Fair, originally scheduled for July 22 through 26 in Wheaton, has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fair officials said they will huddle with representatives of the farm bureau, 4-H Youth Development Program, and vendors and exhibitors to determine how and when to continue the fair. They said such discussions will include "re-engineering what a fair could look like later this year."
Officials said they now will focus on ways to restart activities at the fairgrounds at 2015 Manchester Road. They said they are expanding the community garden and continuing work on a beautification plan.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-22--Arlington Heights Memorial Day Parade, public ceremony called off because of COVID-19 pandemic

A year after its centennial , the Arlington Heights Memorial Day Parade -- perhaps the largest such procession in the suburbs -- will not take place this year because of the coronavirus pandemic , organizers announced Wednesday .
The annual march up and down village streets regularly attracts about 100 marching units of more than 3,000 people , with another 10,000 spectators watching along the route .
But with the peak of COVID-19 cases now projected to be mid-May and protections likely to stay in place at least that long , it was enough to lead parade organizers to their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in mind for this year , but it 's not gon na happen , '' said Greg Padovani , chairman of the Veterans Memorial Committee of Arlington Heights .
`` It 's a huge crowd and with that brings in these days at least the possibility of people getting infected .
There 's no way to have social distancing of people along the route or in the parade . ''
Cancellation of the Arlington Heights parade comes a day after officials in neighboring Rolling Meadows announced the same outcome for their May 23 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and events throughout the suburbs have also started to scrap plans for some summer events , with Carol Stream already calling off its July 4 parade and fireworks .
Before making the official decision Wednesday morning in Arlington Heights , Padovani said he already was talking with parade participants from last year who indicated they likely would n't participate over concerns with COVID-19 .
Padovani also consulted with local schools who regularly send their bands to perform , but schools remain closed and their extracurricular activities have stopped .
However , he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ annual Memorial Day ceremony and broadcast it online and on the village 's cable television channel beginning May 25 .
`` In truth , the most important event on Memorial Day is the ceremony that honors and remembers our fallen heroes , '' said Padovani , specifically mentioning the 58 young men from Arlington Heights who died in service to the nation from the Civil War to the war in Afghanistan .
As normal , their names would be read aloud during the ceremony , he added .

Arlington Heights Memorial Day Parade, public ceremony called off because of COVID-19 pandemic
A year after its centennial, the Arlington Heights Memorial Day Parade -- perhaps the largest such procession in the suburbs -- will not take place this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, organizers announced Wednesday.
The annual march up and down village streets regularly attracts about 100 marching units of more than 3,000 people, with another 10,000 spectators watching along the route.
But with the peak of COVID-19 cases now projected to be mid-May and protections likely to stay in place at least that long, it was enough to lead parade organizers to their decision.
"We had great things in mind for this year, but it's not gonna happen," said Greg Padovani, chairman of the Veterans Memorial Committee of Arlington Heights. "It's a huge crowd and with that brings in these days at least the possibility of people getting infected. There's no way to have social distancing of people along the route or in the parade."
Cancellation of the Arlington Heights parade comes a day after officials in neighboring Rolling Meadows announced the same outcome for their May 23 parade and ceremony. Organizers of festivals and events throughout the suburbs have also started to scrap plans for some summer events, with Carol Stream already calling off its July 4 parade and fireworks.
Before making the official decision Wednesday morning in Arlington Heights, Padovani said he already was talking with parade participants from last year who indicated they likely wouldn't participate over concerns with COVID-19. Padovani also consulted with local schools who regularly send their bands to perform, but schools remain closed and their extracurricular activities have stopped.
However, he said, organizers will conduct and record the annual Memorial Day ceremony and broadcast it online and on the village's cable television channel beginning May 25.
"In truth, the most important event on Memorial Day is the ceremony that honors and remembers our fallen heroes," said Padovani, specifically mentioning the 58 young men from Arlington Heights who died in service to the nation from the Civil War to the war in Afghanistan.
As normal, their names would be read aloud during the ceremony, he added.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-22--April 22 COVID-19 cases per county; search by ZIP code

• Not all the suburbs with cases are listed below .
• As of Wednesday , suburban Cook County had 10,152 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 468 deaths , according to the IDPH 's coronavirus website ( visit bit.ly/dhIDPHcovid19 ) .
In Chicago : 14,394 cases and 604 fatalities .
• The Cook County Department of Public Health listed 489 cases of COVID-19 in Des Plaines , 225 cases in Glenview , 155 in Mount Prospect , 132 in Wheeling , 119 in Palatine , 112 in Park Ridge , 111 in Streamwood , 109 in Schaumburg , 101 in Arlington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 66 in Elk Grove Village , 53 in Rolling Meadows , 47 in Prospect Heights , and 36 in Buffalo Grove ( Cook County portion ) .
• The Lake County Health Department lists 2,388 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 93 deaths on its coronavirus website as of Wednesday .
• Cases in some Lake County towns : 690 to 694 in Waukegan , 90 to 94 in Gurnee , 85 to 89 in Round Lake , 80 to 84 in Mundelein , 45 to 49 in Libertyville and Vernon Hills , 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 35 to 39 in Buffalo Grove ( Lake County portion ) , and 30 to 34 each in Lake Zurich and Lake Villa .
• The DuPage County Health Department reports 1,951 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 106 deaths on its coronavirus website Wednesday .
• Cases per suburb include 146 in Addison , 141 in Naperville ( DuPage portion ) , 136 in Bensenville , 135 in Carol Stream , 103 in Lombard , 101 in Elmhurst , 97 in Glendale Height , 82 in Willowbrook , 79 in West Chicago , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Aurora ( DuPage County portion ) .
• The Kane County Health Department confirms 804 cases of COVID-19 with 39 deaths on its website Wednesday at kanehealth.com .
• Cases per town include 312 in Aurora ( Kane County portion ) , 159 in Elgin ( Kane portion ) , 53 in St. Charles , 37 in Geneva , 31 in South Elgin , 23 in Batavia , 19 in North Aurora , 13 in Gilberts , and 10 in Sugar Grove .
• There are 408 cases of COVID-19 and 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the health department 's website Wednesday .
• There have been 1,829 cases of COVID-19 and 111 deaths , according to the Will County Health Department 's website Wednesday .
• Cases per town include 131 in Naperville ( Will County portion ) , and 15 in Aurora ( Will County portion ) .

April 22 COVID-19 cases per county; search by ZIP code
Cook County's Department of Public Health has a website, shown here at the end of March, that breaks down cases of COVID-19 suburb by suburb.
Interactive map
• Not all the suburbs with cases are listed below.
Cook County
• As of Wednesday, suburban Cook County had 10,152 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 468 deaths, according to the IDPH's coronavirus website (visit bit.ly/dhIDPHcovid19). In Chicago: 14,394 cases and 604 fatalities.
• The Cook County Department of Public Health listed 489 cases of COVID-19 in Des Plaines, 225 cases in Glenview, 155 in Mount Prospect, 132 in Wheeling, 119 in Palatine, 112 in Park Ridge, 111 in Streamwood, 109 in Schaumburg, 101 in Arlington Heights, 89 in Hoffman Estates, 66 in Elk Grove Village, 53 in Rolling Meadows, 47 in Prospect Heights, and 36 in Buffalo Grove (Cook County portion).
Lake County
• The Lake County Health Department lists 2,388 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 93 deaths on its coronavirus website as of Wednesday.
• Cases in some Lake County towns: 690 to 694 in Waukegan, 90 to 94 in Gurnee, 85 to 89 in Round Lake, 80 to 84 in Mundelein, 45 to 49 in Libertyville and Vernon Hills, 40 to 44 in Grayslake and Wauconda, 35 to 39 in Buffalo Grove (Lake County portion), and 30 to 34 each in Lake Zurich and Lake Villa.
DuPage County
• The DuPage County Health Department reports 1,951 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 106 deaths on its coronavirus website Wednesday.
• Cases per suburb include 146 in Addison, 141 in Naperville (DuPage portion), 136 in Bensenville, 135 in Carol Stream, 103 in Lombard, 101 in Elmhurst, 97 in Glendale Height, 82 in Willowbrook, 79 in West Chicago, 66 in Downers Grove, and 59 in Aurora (DuPage County portion).
Kane County
• The Kane County Health Department confirms 804 cases of COVID-19 with 39 deaths on its website Wednesday at kanehealth.com.
• Cases per town include 312 in Aurora (Kane County portion), 159 in Elgin (Kane portion), 53 in St. Charles, 37 in Geneva, 31 in South Elgin, 23 in Batavia, 19 in North Aurora, 13 in Gilberts, and 10 in Sugar Grove.
McHenry County
• There are 408 cases of COVID-19 and 24 deaths in McHenry County, according to the health department's website Wednesday.
Will County
• There have been 1,829 cases of COVID-19 and 111 deaths, according to the Will County Health Department's website Wednesday.
• Cases per town include 131 in Naperville (Will County portion), and 15 in Aurora (Will County portion).


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-22--Schaumburg hotel to house health care workers, first responders

A Schaumburg hotel will provide the first 460 rooms for a new Cook County respite program providing housing for symptom-free health care workers , first responders and correctional employees who have had contact with COVID-19 carriers and need to live apart from their families .
Schaumburg Mayor Tom Dailly said the hotel providing the rooms for renewable weeklong increments has asked not to be publicly identified .
But to the best of his knowledge , Dailly added , it is not the Chicago Marriott Schaumburg on Martingale Road that previously was asked about its availability for such a purpose .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not identified for security reasons , is providing 275 rooms of alternative housing for at-risk members of the homeless population .
Residents of the Hesed House homeless shelter in Aurora are staying at that hotel , but Dailly said their precautionary quarantine period may be ending next week .
The announcement of the new respite housing program was made at a news conference led by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle on Wednesday .
Joining her was Bill Barnes , executive director of the Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 460 hotel rooms in Schaumburg , another 60 to 100 would soon be available in Oak Lawn .
Including the hotel providing alternative housing for the homeless , the county currently has a total of three hotels under contract , he added .
But the county has identified a potential of 8,000 hotel rooms that could be put under contract if the need arose , Barnes said .
One hotel in the north and another in the south could be available on relatively short notice , he said .
Though this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is being borne by the state under its emergency powers and could potentially be reimbursed by the federal government later .
Preckwinkle said eligibility for the housing will be based on job categories of potentially at-risk workers and not their financial means to self-isolate .

Schaumburg hotel to house health care workers, first responders
Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle and Bill Barnes, far left, executive director of the Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security, announce a respite housing program for health care workers and first responders. The housing being offered includes 460 rooms at a Schaumburg hotel. Courtesy of Cook County President's Office
A Schaumburg hotel will provide the first 460 rooms for a new Cook County respite program providing housing for symptom-free health care workers, first responders and correctional employees who have had contact with COVID-19 carriers and need to live apart from their families.
Schaumburg Mayor Tom Dailly said the hotel providing the rooms for renewable weeklong increments has asked not to be publicly identified.
But to the best of his knowledge, Dailly added, it is not the Chicago Marriott Schaumburg on Martingale Road that previously was asked about its availability for such a purpose.
Another Schaumburg hotel, which officials have not identified for security reasons, is providing 275 rooms of alternative housing for at-risk members of the homeless population. Residents of the Hesed House homeless shelter in Aurora are staying at that hotel, but Dailly said their precautionary quarantine period may be ending next week.
The announcement of the new respite housing program was made at a news conference led by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle on Wednesday.
Joining her was Bill Barnes, executive director of the Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security. Barnes mentioned that in addition to the 460 hotel rooms in Schaumburg, another 60 to 100 would soon be available in Oak Lawn.
Including the hotel providing alternative housing for the homeless, the county currently has a total of three hotels under contract, he added.
But the county has identified a potential of 8,000 hotel rooms that could be put under contract if the need arose, Barnes said. One hotel in the north and another in the south could be available on relatively short notice, he said.
Though this is a Cook County program, the cost is being borne by the state under its emergency powers and could potentially be reimbursed by the federal government later.
Preckwinkle said eligibility for the housing will be based on job categories of potentially at-risk workers and not their financial means to self-isolate.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-22--Watch: NFL Draft preview show with Arkush, Aguilar

The NFL draft , which draws tens of millions of fans every year to TV and computer screens , should @ @ @ @ @ of fans starting Thursday with the country still in the grip of COVID-19 .
For @ @ @ @ @ draft and how it might impact the Bears , Hub Arkush , executive editor of @ @ @ @ @ Daily Herald 's Joe Aguilar ; and Arthur Arkush , managing editor of PFW will @ @ @ @ @ The trio will provide expert analysis and insider information with an eye on the Bears @ @ @ @ @

Watch: NFL Draft preview show with Arkush, Aguilar
In this April 25, 2019, file photo, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks ahead of the first round at the NFL football draft in Nashville, Tenn. Associated Press
The NFL draft, which draws tens of millions of fans every year to TV and computer screens, should get an even bigger chunk of fans starting Thursday with the country still in the grip of COVID-19.
For a local focus on the draft and how it might impact the Bears, Hub Arkush, executive editor of Pro Football Weekly; The Daily Herald's Joe Aguilar; and Arthur Arkush, managing editor of PFW will host The Draft Show.
The trio will provide expert analysis and insider information with an eye on the Bears and the NFC North.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-22--What others are writing about COVID-19

What others are writing about COVID-19

Solving the mysteries of coronavirus with genetic fingerprints Scientists are using genomic sequencing of the virus brought to the Seattle area in January to learn how COVID-19 managed to settle into the community undetected -- and spread to more than a dozen states and around the world .
The New York Times explains this high-tech detective work .
In two states , a vast testing gap shows what it means to have no national strategy Kentucky and Rhode Island -- two states with vastly different populations -- have performed a similar number of diagnostic tests for COVID-19 .
The Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state-by-state testing strategy .
These U.S. citizens wo n't get coronavirus stimulus checks -- because their spouses are immigrants More than 1 million U.S. citizens who would otherwise qualify for a stimulus check under the CARES Act will not get any money because they are married to an immigrant who does not have a Social Security number .
The Los Angeles Times explains .
What Does the Good Life Look Like Now ?
Stay-at-home orders have forced us to give up many of the trappings of `` normal '' life -- dinner out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miss it ?
Author and former New York Times Op-Ed editor Trish Hall is evaluating her life .
`` Being stuck at home is n't so bad , '' Hall writes .
`` There 's the relief of having a home to be safe in , obviously , but there 's also the realization of how frantic and expensive my lifestyle had become .
I miss some of it .
But not as much as I expected . ''
Read her essay .
22 Movies About the End of the World to Watch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time to watch postapocalyptic films .
But David Sims of The Atlantic writes : `` What I 've always loved about the genre is how it also radically envisions new societies and imagines the best of people , highlighting humanity 's resilience in the toughest circumstances . ''
Here 's his list -- all are available to stream .

What others are writing about COVID-19
Taiwan McCall, left, useless a nasal swab to test James Reese for COVID-19 in the Harlem section of New York, Monday, April 20, 2020. While many laboratories and companies are now offering tests, there are still only two main types available. The nasal swab test tells you if you have an active viral infection right now. A separate blood test tells you if you were previously exposed to the virus and fought off the infection. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Solving the mysteries of coronavirus with genetic fingerprints
Scientists are using genomic sequencing of the virus brought to the Seattle area in January to learn how COVID-19 managed to settle into the community undetected -- and spread to more than a dozen states and around the world. The New York Times explains this high-tech detective work.
In two states, a vast testing gap shows what it means to have no national strategy
Kentucky and Rhode Island -- two states with vastly different populations -- have performed a similar number of diagnostic tests for COVID-19. The Washington Post explores what this says about the state-by-state testing strategy.
These U.S. citizens won't get coronavirus stimulus checks -- because their spouses are immigrants
More than 1 million U.S. citizens who would otherwise qualify for a stimulus check under the CARES Act will not get any money because they are married to an immigrant who does not have a Social Security number. The Los Angeles Times explains.
What Does the Good Life Look Like Now?
Stay-at-home orders have forced us to give up many of the trappings of "normal" life -- dinner out, facials, pedicures. Do we miss it? Author and former New York Times Op-Ed editor Trish Hall is evaluating her life. "Being stuck at home isn't so bad," Hall writes. "There's the relief of having a home to be safe in, obviously, but there's also the realization of how frantic and expensive my lifestyle had become. I miss some of it. But not as much as I expected." Read her essay.
22 Movies About the End of the World to Watch Now
You may think now is not the time to watch postapocalyptic films. But David Sims of The Atlantic writes: "What I've always loved about the genre is how it also radically envisions new societies and imagines the best of people, highlighting humanity's resilience in the toughest circumstances." Here's his list -- all are available to stream.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-22--Constable: Clean skies give us glimpse of future possibilities

Have you been enjoying seeing those blue skies , feeling the gentle rain , and listening to songs of birds ?
April is the coolest month ( environmentally speaking ) , with Wednesday 's 50th anniversary of Earth Day and Arbor Day on Friday .
Step outside your front door , breathe in the clean air , and enjoy the traffic-free sounds of nature .
COVID-19 , which has brought horrors and death , is n't an environmental savior .
It 's more like a postcard from nature 's future , explaining how our environment could be if we change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preview into what is possible , '' says Stacy L. Iwanicki , natural resources education coordinator with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources .
`` It 's just a shame that it takes a crisis like this against humanity that is easy to observe to help us see that we can do better . ''
The air above Los Angeles looks smog-free and clearer than before .
We 've seen photos of the Himalayan mountain peaks taken from cities in India where pollution had blocked that view for years .
The earth has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we give it the chance .
Environmentalists point to the gains made in a couple months of lockdown as evidence that we can rebuild our lives and economy after COVID-19 in more environmentally friendly ways .
`` As we inch from a 'wartime ' response to 'building back better , ' we need to take onboard the environmental signals and what they mean for our future and well-being , '' Inger Andersen , the head of the United Nation 's Environment Programme , writes in an editorial on the UN website .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rev up again , we need to see how prudent management of nature can be part of this 'different economy ' that must emerge , one where finance and actions fuel green jobs , green growth and a different way of life , because the health of people and the health of planet are one and the same , and both can thrive in equal measure . ''
Iwanicki , who usually is organizing April outings in Volo Bog State Natural Area , Moraine Hills State Park and McHenry Dam Trails , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most people in the suburbs lucky enough to still have jobs .
`` How can a naturalist work out of her home ? ''
Iwanicki says .
Well , she emails people encouraging them to take in the wonders of nature from their homes , whether that means waking before dawn to watch the sunrise , joining in Earth Day 's `` Lights Out , Starry Night '' to gaze at the stars , or just paying attention to all the life unearthed by digging holes in a garden .
`` We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Iwanicki says .
People who generally commute to the office and return straight to the garage might get their only outdoor time when they roll down their car window at a drive-through .
People working from home have the chance to step outside or take a walk around the block .
`` It 's incredible , the birds I see in the neighborhood , '' Iwanicki says of her strolls among the mature trees in her Wonder Lake neighborhood .
She often hears from adults who complain about not hearing the spring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Like when you were 8 years old and spending all day outside ? ''
she counters , reminding people that the Western chorus frogs and American toads are serenading us right now , if we simply walk to a wet area and listen .
In December 1952 , a blanket of smog , mostly caused by coal-burning plants , hung over London and was blamed for thousands of deaths .
That led to the Clean Air Act of 1956 .
A decade later in the U.S. , after an offshore oil rig spilled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ River near Cleveland caught fire , and Americans worried about dirty air and water , President Richard Nixon started the Environmental Protection Agency in 1970 .
But temporary successes can also change our environmental thinking .
Instead of being content with trying to prevent a backslide of EPA protections , we can use the lessons learned during COVID-19 to fuel a healthier relationship with nature .

Constable: Clean skies give us glimpse of future possibilities
With the current reduction in revving engines, blaring radios and the chaos of daily commutes, you might be able to hear the powerful spring songs of the tiny Western chorus frog in wet spots throughout the suburbs. COURTESY OF VALERIE BLAINE
The residents of Dharmsala, India, where the Dalai Lama lives, haven't been able to see this view for years because of pollution. But with COVID-19 shutting down India, the nation's pollution is down and the skies are more clear. Associated Press
The horrific impact of COVID-19 has meant less traffic, cleaner air and more people spending time in their yards. For Illinois naturalist Stacy Iwanicki of Wonder Lake, that shows us what is possible. Courtesy of Michael Iwanicki
Have you been enjoying seeing those blue skies, feeling the gentle rain, and listening to songs of birds? April is the coolest month (environmentally speaking), with Wednesday's 50th anniversary of Earth Day and Arbor Day on Friday. Step outside your front door, breathe in the clean air, and enjoy the traffic-free sounds of nature.
COVID-19, which has brought horrors and death, isn't an environmental savior. It's more like a postcard from nature's future, explaining how our environment could be if we change our ways.
"It's a preview into what is possible," says Stacy L. Iwanicki, natural resources education coordinator with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. "It's just a shame that it takes a crisis like this against humanity that is easy to observe to help us see that we can do better."
The air above Los Angeles looks smog-free and clearer than before. We've seen photos of the Himalayan mountain peaks taken from cities in India where pollution had blocked that view for years. The earth has a remarkable ability to heal itself if we give it the chance. Environmentalists point to the gains made in a couple months of lockdown as evidence that we can rebuild our lives and economy after COVID-19 in more environmentally friendly ways.
"As we inch from a 'wartime' response to 'building back better,' we need to take onboard the environmental signals and what they mean for our future and well-being," Inger Andersen, the head of the United Nation's Environment Programme, writes in an editorial on the UN website. "As the engines of growth begin to rev up again, we need to see how prudent management of nature can be part of this 'different economy' that must emerge, one where finance and actions fuel green jobs, green growth and a different way of life, because the health of people and the health of planet are one and the same, and both can thrive in equal measure."
Iwanicki, who usually is organizing April outings in Volo Bog State Natural Area, Moraine Hills State Park and McHenry Dam Trails, has been working at home, same as most people in the suburbs lucky enough to still have jobs.
"How can a naturalist work out of her home?" Iwanicki says. Well, she emails people encouraging them to take in the wonders of nature from their homes, whether that means waking before dawn to watch the sunrise, joining in Earth Day's "Lights Out, Starry Night" to gaze at the stars, or just paying attention to all the life unearthed by digging holes in a garden.
"We have a fascinating world under our feet," Iwanicki says.
People who generally commute to the office and return straight to the garage might get their only outdoor time when they roll down their car window at a drive-through. People working from home have the chance to step outside or take a walk around the block.
"It's incredible, the birds I see in the neighborhood," Iwanicki says of her strolls among the mature trees in her Wonder Lake neighborhood.
She often hears from adults who complain about not hearing the spring frogs they remember as children.
"Like when you were 8 years old and spending all day outside?" she counters, reminding people that the Western chorus frogs and American toads are serenading us right now, if we simply walk to a wet area and listen.
In December 1952, a blanket of smog, mostly caused by coal-burning plants, hung over London and was blamed for thousands of deaths. That led to the Clean Air Act of 1956. A decade later in the U.S., after an offshore oil rig spilled oil onto California beaches, the Cuyahoga River near Cleveland caught fire, and Americans worried about dirty air and water, President Richard Nixon started the Environmental Protection Agency in 1970. But temporary successes can also change our environmental thinking. Instead of being content with trying to prevent a backslide of EPA protections, we can use the lessons learned during COVID-19 to fuel a healthier relationship with nature.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-22--Mercyhealth to cut leadership, some physicians' pay

Mercyhealth officials said Wednesday it will reduce the salaries of employees in leadership roles by 10 % and reduce some physicians ' pay as the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis affects the health system 's bottom line .
Officials at the Janesville , Wis.-based system -- which runs Mercyhealth Hospital and Medical Center in Harvard and managed care facilities in Algonquin , Barrington and Crystal Lake -- said it had already been dealing with challenges from Medicaid issues in Illinois before the COVID-19 crisis began .
Those issues alone had a financial impact of more than $ 30 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
Mercyhealth has already furloughed employees in non-direct patient care , administrative areas and outpatient and clinic areas to reduce costs .
`` While we all know these actions are not easy , we also know we need to make these adjustments in order to adapt to the massive changes to our business , '' said Mercyhealth President and CEO Javon Bea .
Mercyhealth runs seven hospitals and 85 primary and specialty care facilities in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin , employing more than 8,000 people and 850 physician partners , @ @ @ @ @

Mercyhealth to cut leadership, some physicians' pay
Mercyhealth officials said Wednesday it will reduce the salaries of employees in leadership roles by 10% and reduce some physicians' pay as the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis affects the health system's bottom line.
Officials at the Janesville, Wis.-based system -- which runs Mercyhealth Hospital and Medical Center in Harvard and managed care facilities in Algonquin, Barrington and Crystal Lake -- said it had already been dealing with challenges from Medicaid issues in Illinois before the COVID-19 crisis began. Those issues alone had a financial impact of more than $30 million dollars a year, officials said in a statement.
Mercyhealth has already furloughed employees in non-direct patient care, administrative areas and outpatient and clinic areas to reduce costs.
"While we all know these actions are not easy, we also know we need to make these adjustments in order to adapt to the massive changes to our business," said Mercyhealth President and CEO Javon Bea.
Mercyhealth runs seven hospitals and 85 primary and specialty care facilities in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, employing more than 8,000 people and 850 physician partners, according to its website.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-22--Giants DL Leonard Williams inks non-exclusive franchise deal

New York Giants defensive tackle Leonard Williams has signed his non-exclusive franchise tag .
The Giants announced the signing on Wednesday , a day before the NFL draft .
The team placed the franchise tag on Williams on March 16 .
Williams will earn a salary in the 2020 season based on the average of the top five salaries from his position .
The two sides can negotiate a long-term contract during the season .
The Giants acquired Williams on Oct. 29 from the Jets for two draft choices , including a third-round selection on Friday and a fifth-round choice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in eight games for the Giants with five starts .
He had 26 tackles , a half-sack , two tackles for loss , 11 quarterback hits , two passes defended and a forced fumble .
The sixth overall pick in the 2015 draft out of Southern California , Williams has played in 79 games with 75 starts .
He has 266 tackles , 17 1/2 sacks , three forced fumbles and six passes defended .
The Giants ' defensive line for next season is led by Williams , Dalvin Tomlinson , B.J .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ choice last year .
New York posted a 4-12 record last season .
It has the No .
4 overall pick in the draft .

Giants DL Leonard Williams inks non-exclusive franchise deal
FILE - In this Dec. 9, 2019, file photo, New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams reacts during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Philadelphia. The Giants have placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on defensive tackle Leonard Williams. The Giants announced the move Monday, March 16, 2020. Associated Press
FILE - In this Dec. 15, 2019, file photo, Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) looks to pass under pressure from New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) in the second half of an NFL football game, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants have placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on defensive tackle Leonard Williams. The Giants announced the move Monday, March 16, 2020. Associated Press
New York Giants defensive tackle Leonard Williams has signed his non-exclusive franchise tag.
The Giants announced the signing on Wednesday, a day before the NFL draft. The team placed the franchise tag on Williams on March 16.
Williams will earn a salary in the 2020 season based on the average of the top five salaries from his position. The two sides can negotiate a long-term contract during the season.
The Giants acquired Williams on Oct. 29 from the Jets for two draft choices, including a third-round selection on Friday and a fifth-round choice in 2021.
The 25-year-old Williams played in eight games for the Giants with five starts. He had 26 tackles, a half-sack, two tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hits, two passes defended and a forced fumble.
The sixth overall pick in the 2015 draft out of Southern California, Williams has played in 79 games with 75 starts. He has 266 tackles, 17 1/2 sacks, three forced fumbles and six passes defended.
The Giants' defensive line for next season is led by Williams, Dalvin Tomlinson, B.J. Hill and Dexter Lawrence, a first-round choice last year.
New York posted a 4-12 record last season. It has the No. 4 overall pick in the draft.
___
More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-22--4 suburban ICU nurses who help form the backbone of the coronavirus fight

Their patients ca n't see their faces , covered by masks and shields , hair nets and goggles , but they can hear the humanity in their voices .
Theresa Vasquez speaks in the calm , steady tone one might imagine of an overnight charge nurse .
Tamara Perille sounds like the radio companion Delilah , consoling patients through an almost unbearable separation from family .
Melissa Wilhelm has no weariness in her voice as she cares for the sickest of the sick and celebrates those who have survived .
These are the stories of the people behind layers of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nurses at suburban hospitals who form the backbone of the coronavirus fight .
Wilhelm will never forget the first time one of her COVID-19 patients came off a ventilator .
The man began breathing on his own on his wife 's birthday .
`` When he was able to talk a little bit more coherently , I actually FaceTimed with her , and we together , him and I , sang happy birthday to her , '' said Wilhelm , a nurse at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield .
The campus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two ICU units to COVID-19 patients .
Three extubatons into the crisis , the ICU staff became so uplifted by the successes that they adopted their own theme song .
Every time the team extubates a patient or they 've made enough progress to leave the ICU , Wilhelm and her co-workers gather outside the hospital room , clap , cheer and play Journey 's `` Do n't Stop Believin ' . ''
`` We 're still treating them like they 're our moms and dads , our brothers or sisters , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to let them be alone . ''
The nurse at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights can not hug her 21-year-old twins who are back home from college .
How do they cope with physical distancing ?
Her husband and their daughters usually have a surprise waiting for the Arlington Heights mom when she gets home from a 12-hour shift .
`` Sometimes they dress up in funny little costumes , in colored wigs and blow bubbles , whatever they think is going to make me laugh for the day , streamers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up , '' she said .
`` And just simply knowing that they 're there for me , that they 've got my back at home , that to me is priceless . ''
There 's been a slow but steady climb of COVID-19 cases , but hospital officials say they do not yet know the magnitude of the peak or how long it will last .
Through the uncertainty , nurses offer reassurance to each other , their patients and families barred from visiting their loved ones .
`` I 've always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` I 've always loved being a nurse , and this has reaffirmed that we all have made the right choice . ''
Vasquez finds a quiet moment in her car to take a deep breath and summon her focus before every night shift at Central DuPage Hospital .
She oversees intensive care unit nurses and those from other departments who have volunteered for cross-training to support the ICU staff .
They use iPads to set up video calls between patients and families , even if their loved one is on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vasquez said .
`` They can at least tell them that they love them , and that they 're thinking about them , '' she said .
Patients dying without family at their side is the worst tragedy of the crisis .
`` I had a nurse , was n't even assigned to that patient , but she knew that the person was not doing well and was probably in their last moments of their life , '' Vasquez said .
`` And she just voluntarily went in and sat with the patient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shift change in the morning , she goes for a run to try to separate her job from her life at home .
Her daughters , 2 and almost 1 , are too young to understand the pandemic 's toll , but her oldest knows the routine .
`` She knows that Mommy 's a nurse , '' she said .
Kelley has witnessed a lot of pain in her 16 years as a critical care nurse at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital in Geneva .
What always seems to help , even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presence and touch of a loved one -- a comfort that has been stripped by the pandemic .
So Kelley spends a few extra minutes each day sitting and talking with her patients .
`` I feel really blessed to be there with them in the good times and bad , '' she says .
An overwhelming feeling of joy emanates through her unit when a COVID-19 patient who has been sedated and on a ventilator for days unexpectedly wakes up , Kelley said .
Then there 's the other side of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when someone who seemed to be recovering takes a sudden turn for the worse .
Kelley tries to set aside her own emotions and ignore her own fears .
That 's easier said than done .
`` I go home , and I still think about the people there at work -- the nurses who are working , the patients who are really sick , the patients who I wonder if they 're going to be there when I get back , '' Kelley said .
`` Unfortunately , I 'm not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But she does feel prepared .
Before each shift , she and her co-workers form a `` huddle '' to discuss what the most critical patients need , what challenges lie ahead and how to best support each other .
`` Going through this difficult time has actually made us feel strong and feel more like a family , '' Kelley said .
`` You have a feeling of being proud of what you do , not because of the recognition that you get , but proud that you actually know you are @ @ @ @ @

4 suburban ICU nurses who help form the backbone of the coronavirus fight
Hong Gu, Colleen Reiter and Melissa Wilhelm, all intensive care unit nurses at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, cheer on COVID-19 patients who have recovered enough to leave the ICU. Courtesy of Northwestern Medicine
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, critical care nurse Letty Kelly, left, and her co-worker Gianna Zaccaro wear extra personal protective equipment as they care for patients in the intensive care unit at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital. Courtesy of Northwestern Medicine
Their patients can't see their faces, covered by masks and shields, hair nets and goggles, but they can hear the humanity in their voices.
Theresa Vasquez speaks in the calm, steady tone one might imagine of an overnight charge nurse.
Tamara Perille sounds like the radio companion Delilah, consoling patients through an almost unbearable separation from family.
Melissa Wilhelm has no weariness in her voice as she cares for the sickest of the sick and celebrates those who have survived.
These are the stories of the people behind layers of protective equipment: four intensive care unit nurses at suburban hospitals who form the backbone of the coronavirus fight.
Melissa Wilhelm
Wilhelm will never forget the first time one of her COVID-19 patients came off a ventilator. The man began breathing on his own on his wife's birthday.
"When he was able to talk a little bit more coherently, I actually FaceTimed with her, and we together, him and I, sang happy birthday to her," said Wilhelm, a nurse at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield.
The campus has devoted two medical surgical floors and two ICU units to COVID-19 patients. Three extubatons into the crisis, the ICU staff became so uplifted by the successes that they adopted their own theme song.
Every time the team extubates a patient or they've made enough progress to leave the ICU, Wilhelm and her co-workers gather outside the hospital room, clap, cheer and play Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'."
"We're still treating them like they're our moms and dads, our brothers or sisters," Wilhelm said. "We're not going to let them be alone."
Tamara Perille
The nurse at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights cannot hug her 21-year-old twins who are back home from college.
Nurses Lisa Consolazio, Rachel Otte, Tamara Perille and Michelle Pierog, a respiratory therapist, don protective gear at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights. - Courtesy of Tamara Perille
How do they cope with physical distancing? Her husband and their daughters usually have a surprise waiting for the Arlington Heights mom when she gets home from a 12-hour shift.
"Sometimes they dress up in funny little costumes, in colored wigs and blow bubbles, whatever they think is going to make me laugh for the day, streamers outside the door, balloons being blown up," she said. "And just simply knowing that they're there for me, that they've got my back at home, that to me is priceless."
There's been a slow but steady climb of COVID-19 cases, but hospital officials say they do not yet know the magnitude of the peak or how long it will last.
Through the uncertainty, nurses offer reassurance to each other, their patients and families barred from visiting their loved ones.
"I've always loved what I do," Perille said. "I've always loved being a nurse, and this has reaffirmed that we all have made the right choice."
Theresa Vasquez
Vasquez finds a quiet moment in her car to take a deep breath and summon her focus before every night shift at Central DuPage Hospital.
- Joe Lewnard | Staff Photographer Theresa Vasquez and Melissa Wilhelm, right, are ICU nurses working on the front lines of the coronavirus crisis at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield.
She oversees intensive care unit nurses and those from other departments who have volunteered for cross-training to support the ICU staff. They use iPads to set up video calls between patients and families, even if their loved one is on a ventilator and unable to speak, Vasquez said.
"They can at least tell them that they love them, and that they're thinking about them," she said.
Patients dying without family at their side is the worst tragedy of the crisis.
"I had a nurse, wasn't even assigned to that patient, but she knew that the person was not doing well and was probably in their last moments of their life," Vasquez said. "And she just voluntarily went in and sat with the patient during that time."
After leading the shift change in the morning, she goes for a run to try to separate her job from her life at home.
Her daughters, 2 and almost 1, are too young to understand the pandemic's toll, but her oldest knows the routine.
"She knows that Mommy's a nurse," she said.
Letty Kelley
Kelley has witnessed a lot of pain in her 16 years as a critical care nurse at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital in Geneva.
- Rick West | Staff Photographer Letty Kelley is a critical care nurse at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital in Geneva.
What always seems to help, even in the subtlest ways, is the presence and touch of a loved one -- a comfort that has been stripped by the pandemic.
So Kelley spends a few extra minutes each day sitting and talking with her patients.
"I feel really blessed to be there with them in the good times and bad," she says.
An overwhelming feeling of joy emanates through her unit when a COVID-19 patient who has been sedated and on a ventilator for days unexpectedly wakes up, Kelley said.
Then there's the other side of the story, the moments of profound sadness, when someone who seemed to be recovering takes a sudden turn for the worse.
Kelley tries to set aside her own emotions and ignore her own fears. That's easier said than done.
"I go home, and I still think about the people there at work -- the nurses who are working, the patients who are really sick, the patients who I wonder if they're going to be there when I get back," Kelley said. "Unfortunately, I'm not able to turn that off."
But she does feel prepared. Before each shift, she and her co-workers form a "huddle" to discuss what the most critical patients need, what challenges lie ahead and how to best support each other.
"Going through this difficult time has actually made us feel strong and feel more like a family," Kelley said. "You have a feeling of being proud of what you do, not because of the recognition that you get, but proud that you actually know you are making a difference."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-22--Palatine High School hockey player dies after weekend dirt bike crash

Hundreds of family members , friends , classmates and teammates celebrated the life of Palatine teen Andrew Marton from a distance in a ceremony outside Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge Wednesday .
The 16-year-old Palatine High School student died Tuesday afternoon from injuries suffered in a dirt bike crash on Saturday .
Andrew Marton was riding with his father , Adam , enjoying the hobby they shared for years , said Jill Readel , Andrew 's aunt .
The Martons were near their Palatine home on a city street when Andrew somehow lost control , left the road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing a helmet .
Adam Marton performed CPR until paramedics arrived , but Andrew was unresponsive .
He never regained consciousness .
He was declared brain dead at Advocate Lutheran at 2:57 p.m. Tuesday .
`` He was amazing , full of life , '' said Jill Maczko , Andrew 's aunt .
`` He had huge dreams . ''
Marton 's organs were donated to five individuals , a 17-year-old boy among them .
`` He was obviously such a big-hearted person to do such a thing at the age of 16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ page established late Tuesday to help the family with medical expenses raised over $ 35,000 in less than 24 hours .
Andrew was a three-sport athlete who participated in golf and water polo .
His main sport was hockey ; he played for the Palatine-Schaumburg District 211 team .
That hockey community came out in droves to honor one of its own Wednesday .
During a 6:30 p.m. ceremony by A Gift of Hope , the nonprofit group that provides organ and tissue donation services , the organization 's flag was raised in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As the flag ascended the pole , the sounds of hockey sticks banging on the ground in Andrew 's honor -- the traditional hockey salute -- could be heard throughout the area .
`` It was really cool , '' Readel said .
`` And the night before all the players put their sticks and jerseys out on their front porch with the lights on all night .
It 's a hockey thing when somebody passes . ''
Parents Adam and Marisa Marton and Andrew 's little brother , Zach , wore Andrew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's stick aloft in tribute to his son as the Gift of Hope flag went up the flagpole .
`` It was the most amazing , amazing tribute I 've ever seen in my entire life , '' said family friend Nicole Olson .
`` The entire street across from Lutheran General was filled with people .
They had to bring the police out there . ''
In addition to the hundreds who spread out across the street from the hospital to see the ceremony , another 827 people watched live via Readel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how many lives he actually touched , '' Readel said of her nephew .
`` He was just such a good , warm-spirited kid .
He was so patient , kind and always helpful . ''
Andrew got his driver 's license in February when he turned 16 .
He proudly bought his first car with money he had saved doing odd jobs , Maczko said .
He took his parents and brother out for a spin in his new wheels last Friday .
`` It was their first family ride in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video , '' Maczko said .
`` It 's the most beautiful thing ever , because how would they know what was ahead of them ? ''

Palatine High School hockey player dies after weekend dirt bike crash
Andrew Marton, second from right, with his family recently: younger brother Zach, mother Marisa Marton and father Adam Marton. Courtesy of Jill Readel
Andrew Marton, 16, of Palatine died Tuesday after a dirt bike crash near his home Saturday. Courtesy of Jill Readel
Hundreds of family members, friends, classmates and teammates celebrated the life of Palatine teen Andrew Marton from a distance in a ceremony outside Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge Wednesday.
The 16-year-old Palatine High School student died Tuesday afternoon from injuries suffered in a dirt bike crash on Saturday.
Andrew Marton was riding with his father, Adam, enjoying the hobby they shared for years, said Jill Readel, Andrew's aunt. The Martons were near their Palatine home on a city street when Andrew somehow lost control, left the road and struck a tree. He was wearing a helmet.
Adam Marton performed CPR until paramedics arrived, but Andrew was unresponsive. He never regained consciousness. He was declared brain dead at Advocate Lutheran at 2:57 p.m. Tuesday.
"He was amazing, full of life," said Jill Maczko, Andrew's aunt. "He had huge dreams."
Marton's organs were donated to five individuals, a 17-year-old boy among them.
"He was obviously such a big-hearted person to do such a thing at the age of 16," Maczko said.
A GoFundMe page established late Tuesday to help the family with medical expenses raised over $35,000 in less than 24 hours.
Andrew was a three-sport athlete who participated in golf and water polo. His main sport was hockey; he played for the Palatine-Schaumburg District 211 team. That hockey community came out in droves to honor one of its own Wednesday.
Andrew Marton, 16, of Palatine was a three-sport athlete, his primary one being hockey. He died Tuesday after a dirt bike crash near his home Saturday. - Courtesy of Jill Readel
During a 6:30 p.m. ceremony by A Gift of Hope, the nonprofit group that provides organ and tissue donation services, the organization's flag was raised in honor of Andrew's lifesaving donations.
As the flag ascended the pole, the sounds of hockey sticks banging on the ground in Andrew's honor -- the traditional hockey salute -- could be heard throughout the area.
"It was really cool," Readel said. "And the night before all the players put their sticks and jerseys out on their front porch with the lights on all night. It's a hockey thing when somebody passes."
Parents Adam and Marisa Marton and Andrew's little brother, Zach, wore Andrew's hockey jerseys. Adam held Andrew's stick aloft in tribute to his son as the Gift of Hope flag went up the flagpole.
"It was the most amazing, amazing tribute I've ever seen in my entire life," said family friend Nicole Olson. "The entire street across from Lutheran General was filled with people. They had to bring the police out there."
At a Wednesday evening ceremony by A Gift of Hope, the nonprofit group that provides organ and tissue donation services, the organization's flag was raised in honor of Andrew Marton's lifesaving donations. His hockey teammates banged their sticks on the ground -- the traditional hockey salute -- in Andrew's honor as the flag was raised. - Courtesy of Jill Readel
In addition to the hundreds who spread out across the street from the hospital to see the ceremony, another 827 people watched live via Readel's Facebook page.
"Nobody realized how many lives he actually touched," Readel said of her nephew. "He was just such a good, warm-spirited kid. He was so patient, kind and always helpful."
Andrew got his driver's license in February when he turned 16. He proudly bought his first car with money he had saved doing odd jobs, Maczko said. He took his parents and brother out for a spin in his new wheels last Friday.
"It was their first family ride in his car. My brother has it on video," Maczko said. "It's the most beautiful thing ever, because how would they know what was ahead of them?"


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-22--'It's totally safe to come to the hospital': Edward, Elmhurst managing pandemic

The two West suburban hospitals in the Edward-Elmhurst Health system continue to have enough capacity in both beds and ventilators to manage the number of COVID-19 patients they are seeing , leaders said Wednesday during a virtual town hall .
Edward Hospital in Naperville and Elmhurst Hospital together were treating a total of 115 admitted patients with confirmed cases of the coronavirus Wednesday .
The system already has treated 370 others , including 319 who have been discharged and 51 who died from the virus , said Dr. Sanjeeb Khatua , chief physician executive and COVID-19 incident commander .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of infections within their facilities , CEO Mary Lou Mastro said , and remain safe for anyone who needs treatment of critical health needs .
`` If you need to come to the hospital , it is safe .
We are here , we stand prepared and ready to take care of you as we always have , '' Mastro said .
`` We have safety protocols designed and executed nearly perfectly to prevent infections from spreading from one patient to the next .
It 's totally safe to come to hospital .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are problematic . ''
As patient treatment is in progress , the system is preparing its laboratory to begin antibody testing as soon as possible .
The lab , one of only two in-house labs at hospitals across Illinois , expects to receive the materials needed for antibody testing next week , said Dr. Alvaro Candel , anatomic and clinical pathologist and chairman of the pathology department at Elmhurst Hospital .
Testing could begin as early as a week after the materials are on hand , he said .
Antibody testing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person 's blood that show evidence they have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus .
It differs from molecular testing , already in progress at Edward and Elmhurst hospitals , which serves to detect the presence of the COVID-19 virus in the body .
With 115 total coronavirus patients , Mastro said , the hospitals are operating at roughly 60 % capacity as projections show cases in Illinois have not yet hit their peak .
Patients who have or are suspected to have COVID-19 are placed into their own rooms in isolation with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the staff members who treat them , Khatua said .
Doctors and nurses are working to limit the number of times they visit each infected patient 's room and are dressing in gowns , gloves , goggles and masks , washing their hands before and after stepping into the room each time , said Dr. Jonathon Pinsky , medical director of infection control and prevention at Edward Hospital .
Nurses are reusing N95 masks to preserve personal protective equipment that hospital officials said is in short supply .
After each shift , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nurses are instructed to discard them if they become `` compromised , '' said Liana Plotke , director of patient care and critical care at Elmhurst Hospital .
To support the well-being of workers , the hospitals have created quiet rooms for rest and relaxation so they can pause to breathe in aromatherapy scents and watch guided meditations , Plotke said .
Staff members also can recharge with on-site emotional support from Linden Oaks Behavioral Health and with plenty of food donations the community is providing every day , Mastro said .

'It's totally safe to come to the hospital': Edward, Elmhurst managing pandemic
The two West suburban hospitals in the Edward-Elmhurst Health system continue to have enough capacity in both beds and ventilators to manage the number of COVID-19 patients they are seeing, leaders said Wednesday during a virtual town hall.
Edward Hospital in Naperville and Elmhurst Hospital together were treating a total of 115 admitted patients with confirmed cases of the coronavirus Wednesday. The system already has treated 370 others, including 319 who have been discharged and 51 who died from the virus, said Dr. Sanjeeb Khatua, chief physician executive and COVID-19 incident commander.
The hospitals continue to effectively manage the spread of infections within their facilities, CEO Mary Lou Mastro said, and remain safe for anyone who needs treatment of critical health needs.
"If you need to come to the hospital, it is safe. We are here, we stand prepared and ready to take care of you as we always have," Mastro said. "We have safety protocols designed and executed nearly perfectly to prevent infections from spreading from one patient to the next. It's totally safe to come to hospital. It's not safe to ignore symptoms that are problematic."
As patient treatment is in progress, the system is preparing its laboratory to begin antibody testing as soon as possible. The lab, one of only two in-house labs at hospitals across Illinois, expects to receive the materials needed for antibody testing next week, said Dr. Alvaro Candel, anatomic and clinical pathologist and chairman of the pathology department at Elmhurst Hospital. Testing could begin as early as a week after the materials are on hand, he said.
Antibody testing, he said, detects substances in a person's blood that show evidence they have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus. It differs from molecular testing, already in progress at Edward and Elmhurst hospitals, which serves to detect the presence of the COVID-19 virus in the body.
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer Edward-Elmhurst Health staff members place decorative daffodils on Tuesday outside of Elmhurst Hospital to represent patients treated for the COVID-19 virus and discharged to recover at home.
With 115 total coronavirus patients, Mastro said, the hospitals are operating at roughly 60% capacity as projections show cases in Illinois have not yet hit their peak.
Patients who have or are suspected to have COVID-19 are placed into their own rooms in isolation with negative air flow to help protect them and the staff members who treat them, Khatua said.
Doctors and nurses are working to limit the number of times they visit each infected patient's room and are dressing in gowns, gloves, goggles and masks, washing their hands before and after stepping into the room each time, said Dr. Jonathon Pinsky, medical director of infection control and prevention at Edward Hospital.
Nurses are reusing N95 masks to preserve personal protective equipment that hospital officials said is in short supply. After each shift, workers are carefully sterilizing the masks and nurses are instructed to discard them if they become "compromised," said Liana Plotke, director of patient care and critical care at Elmhurst Hospital.
To support the well-being of workers, the hospitals have created quiet rooms for rest and relaxation so they can pause to breathe in aromatherapy scents and watch guided meditations, Plotke said. Staff members also can recharge with on-site emotional support from Linden Oaks Behavioral Health and with plenty of food donations the community is providing every day, Mastro said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-22--Big-city Illinois mayors suggest regional approach to loosening COVID-19 restrictions

The mayors of six of Illinois ' largest cities are as eager as anyone to see life return to normal , with shops , restaurants and other `` nonessential '' businesses open again .
But they all acknowledged Wednesday that , due to differences in how the COVID-19 outbreak is affecting different areas of the state , a decision to loosen restrictions might best be made on a regional basis .
The mayors of Aurora , Springfield , Rockford , Joliet , Champaign and Waukegan spoke during an online meeting hosted by Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin .
`` The situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ metro area .
That ( a regional approach ) might be the way forward , '' Joliet Mayor Robert O'Dekirk said , noting the lesser prevalence of COVID-19 cases downstate .
Springfield Mayor James Langfelder said small retailers , such as florists and barbershops , possibly could be allowed to reopen , with rules about social distancing and wearing protective gear .
Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham suggested guidelines could be developed for limiting occupancy based on the square-footage of buildings .
Irvin said that without a vaccine or medications to treat COVID-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rushing back to the casinos , people are n't going to be rushing back to the theater to sit two inches next to each other . ''
Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara said there needs to be a `` proper amount '' of personal protective equipment available for essential workers , more testing , and `` a virtual army of contact tracers '' before loosening restrictions .
He also said the governor 's closure orders unintentionally benefited larger corporations .
He sent a letter to the governor last week , urging him to allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pickup of their wares or to require big-box stores to close the parts of their stores that sell nonessential items , including shoes and clothing .
`` If our restaurants can be curbside , so can some of these local retailers , '' he said .
O'Dekirk spoke of a special challenge his city faced at the outset : Nearby Stateville Correctional Center was sending all its COVID-19 patients to one hospital in Joliet -- AMITA Health St. Joseph Medical Center -- per its policy of sending sick prisoners to the closest hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ danger of being overrun , '' O'Dekirk said .
But the state quickly agreed with city officials ' request to balance the patient load , and sent a National Guard unit to open a medical facility at the prison .
The mayors talked about how business closings are blowing huge holes in their budgets -- and delays in receiving income and property tax payments will exacerbate the problem .
O'Dekirk said Joliet is on track to receive 70 % less revenue than it budgeted -- and is missing out on about $ 300,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ riverboat casinos .
Joliet is using reserve funds to maintain city services and may borrow money from its water utility fund , he said .
`` You ca n't cut your way out of that , '' O'Dekirk said .
`` We can not open up and then close back down .
That is not going to be acceptable by any of us , '' he said .

Big-city Illinois mayors suggest regional approach to loosening COVID-19 restrictions
The mayors of six of Illinois' largest cities are as eager as anyone to see life return to normal, with shops, restaurants and other "nonessential" businesses open again.
But they all acknowledged Wednesday that, due to differences in how the COVID-19 outbreak is affecting different areas of the state, a decision to loosen restrictions might best be made on a regional basis.
The mayors of Aurora, Springfield, Rockford, Joliet, Champaign and Waukegan spoke during an online meeting hosted by Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin.
"The situation downstate is different from in the Chicago metro area. That (a regional approach) might be the way forward," Joliet Mayor Robert O'Dekirk said, noting the lesser prevalence of COVID-19 cases downstate.
Springfield Mayor James Langfelder said small retailers, such as florists and barbershops, possibly could be allowed to reopen, with rules about social distancing and wearing protective gear.
Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham suggested guidelines could be developed for limiting occupancy based on the square-footage of buildings.
Irvin said that without a vaccine or medications to treat COVID-19, "People aren't going to be rushing back to the casinos, people aren't going to be rushing back to the theater to sit two inches next to each other."
Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara said there needs to be a "proper amount" of personal protective equipment available for essential workers, more testing, and "a virtual army of contact tracers" before loosening restrictions.
He also said the governor's closure orders unintentionally benefited larger corporations. He sent a letter to the governor last week, urging him to allow small nonessential businesses to open for curbside pickup of their wares or to require big-box stores to close the parts of their stores that sell nonessential items, including shoes and clothing.
"If our restaurants can be curbside, so can some of these local retailers," he said.
O'Dekirk spoke of a special challenge his city faced at the outset: Nearby Stateville Correctional Center was sending all its COVID-19 patients to one hospital in Joliet -- AMITA Health St. Joseph Medical Center -- per its policy of sending sick prisoners to the closest hospital. "St. Joe's was in danger of being overrun," O'Dekirk said.
But the state quickly agreed with city officials' request to balance the patient load, and sent a National Guard unit to open a medical facility at the prison.
The mayors talked about how business closings are blowing huge holes in their budgets -- and delays in receiving income and property tax payments will exacerbate the problem. O'Dekirk said Joliet is on track to receive 70% less revenue than it budgeted -- and is missing out on about $300,000 a week in taxes from its two riverboat casinos. Joliet is using reserve funds to maintain city services and may borrow money from its water utility fund, he said.
"You can't cut your way out of that," O'Dekirk said.
Waukegan's Cunningham cautioned against acting prematurely.
"We cannot open up and then close back down. That is not going to be acceptable by any of us," he said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-22--Libertyville, Vernon Hills cutting costs, bracing for big drop in revenue

Two Lake County communities that rely heavily on sales taxes to operate say they are in decent shape for now but are preparing for big hits in coming months .
Libertyville and Vernon Hills have identified millions of dollars in upcoming projects and other expenses to defer or cut , and anticipate needing reserves to help offset lost revenue .
Both communities say they have ample cash reserves to allow operations to continue without having to make drastic changes immediately .
That 's mainly because revenues from the state , including sales taxes , are in arrears , meaning the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out .
With that , officials in both towns recognize the future economic picture will be a moving target and need constant evaluation and adjustment .
When business does resume , it likely wo n't be in the same manner , making decisions even more complicated , officials say .
`` My concern is you 're going to have half the seating in every restaurant , '' Libertyville Mayor Terry Weppler said Tuesday during a meeting of the village board 's finance committee .
Vernon Hills estimates a decline of 14 % , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the revenue included in the 2020-21 budget , which was approved Tuesday and takes effect May 1 .
The village is among the perennial leaders in Lake County for sales tax receipts .
But with activity at much of its 3.9 million square feet of retail space -- including the 1.3 million-square-foot Hawthorn Mall -- idled or greatly diminished , the village is in a tight spot .
`` We 're probably going to need to be looking at $ 5 million '' in lost revenue , Trustee Jim Schultz said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worse than $ 3.5 million , '' Trustee Craig Takaoka agreed .
`` Things are not going to be the same .
Even when places open you 're not going to get as many people going out .
That 's just the reality of it all , '' Takaoka said .
In Libertyville , a spot check of key revenue producers showed car dealers down 40 % to 50 % and restaurants at 20 % to 30 % of normal sales , Finance Director Nick Mostardo reported .
An analysis of cash flow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ village will draw down about $ 1.1 million in cash reserves at a time when it normally would be adding about $ 1.5 million -- a swing of $ 2.6 million .
Like other communities , Libertyville and Vernon Hills were rocked during the Great Recession of 2008-09 and officials say they are better prepared to deal with a financially arduous time .
In Vernon Hills , 26 full-time jobs have been eliminated and not reinstated .
Many functions such as the finance and IT departments have been outsourced to reduce reliance on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better level of service , according to Village Manager Mark Fleischhauer .
For the near term , six full-time and one part-time vacancy wo n't be filled and $ 1.9 million in budgeted expenses to eliminate or defer have been identified , he said .
Libertyville has substantially upped its reserves in recent years to nearly $ 22 million in highly liquid funds .
Mostardo recommended and the committee agreed to defer $ 1.3 million in capital projects and institute a hiring freeze .
Village officials will be asked to consider other measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show a trend of improving within 90 days , he said .
`` I think we 're prepared '' for the near term , said Libertyville Trustee Rich Moras , finance committee chair .
`` The question is how long will this last , which no one really knows . ''

Libertyville, Vernon Hills cutting costs, bracing for big drop in revenue
Two Lake County communities that rely heavily on sales taxes to operate say they are in decent shape for now but are preparing for big hits in coming months.
Libertyville and Vernon Hills have identified millions of dollars in upcoming projects and other expenses to defer or cut, and anticipate needing reserves to help offset lost revenue.
Both communities say they have ample cash reserves to allow operations to continue without having to make drastic changes immediately. That's mainly because revenues from the state, including sales taxes, are in arrears, meaning the money was collected before the bottom dropped out.
With that, officials in both towns recognize the future economic picture will be a moving target and need constant evaluation and adjustment.
When business does resume, it likely won't be in the same manner, making decisions even more complicated, officials say.
"My concern is you're going to have half the seating in every restaurant," Libertyville Mayor Terry Weppler said Tuesday during a meeting of the village board's finance committee.
Vernon Hills estimates a decline of 14%, or roughly $3.5 million, in the revenue included in the 2020-21 budget, which was approved Tuesday and takes effect May 1.
The village is among the perennial leaders in Lake County for sales tax receipts. But with activity at much of its 3.9 million square feet of retail space -- including the 1.3 million-square-foot Hawthorn Mall -- idled or greatly diminished, the village is in a tight spot.
"We're probably going to need to be looking at $5 million" in lost revenue, Trustee Jim Schultz said.
"I think it's going to be worse than $3.5 million," Trustee Craig Takaoka agreed.
"Things are not going to be the same. Even when places open you're not going to get as many people going out. That's just the reality of it all," Takaoka said.
- Paul Valade | Staff Photographer Libertyville restaurants that are open and offering carryout items are displaying orange signs making them easier to see.
In Libertyville, a spot check of key revenue producers showed car dealers down 40% to 50% and restaurants at 20% to 30% of normal sales, Finance Director Nick Mostardo reported.
An analysis of cash flow for the next 90 days shows the village will draw down about $1.1 million in cash reserves at a time when it normally would be adding about $1.5 million -- a swing of $2.6 million.
Like other communities, Libertyville and Vernon Hills were rocked during the Great Recession of 2008-09 and officials say they are better prepared to deal with a financially arduous time.
In Vernon Hills, 26 full-time jobs have been eliminated and not reinstated. Many functions such as the finance and IT departments have been outsourced to reduce reliance on full-time staff but maintain the same or better level of service, according to Village Manager Mark Fleischhauer.
For the near term, six full-time and one part-time vacancy won't be filled and $1.9 million in budgeted expenses to eliminate or defer have been identified, he said.
Libertyville has substantially upped its reserves in recent years to nearly $22 million in highly liquid funds. Mostardo recommended and the committee agreed to defer $3.38 million in capital projects and institute a hiring freeze. Village officials will be asked to consider other measures as well if economic conditions don't show a trend of improving within 90 days, he said.
"I think we're prepared" for the near term, said Libertyville Trustee Rich Moras, finance committee chair. "The question is how long will this last, which no one really knows."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-22--A song to make you smile: 'I Won't Back Down' by Tom Petty

We 're trying to inject a little positivity in the paper ( and on dailyherald.com ) with a daily `` @ @ @ @ @ . ''
It 's designed to help lift you out of your coronavirus funk .
@ @ @ @ @ I Wo n't Back Down '' by Tom Petty , a solo hit released in @ @

A song to make you smile: 'I Won't Back Down' by Tom Petty
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. Associated Press
We're trying to inject a little positivity in the paper (and on dailyherald.com) with a daily "Song to Make You Smile."
It's designed to help lift you out of your coronavirus funk.
Today's selection is "I Won't Back Down" by Tom Petty, a solo hit released in 1989.
Send your ideas to suggestions@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-23--Watch: NFL Draft preview show with Arkush, Aguilar


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-23--Japan officials puzzled by outbreak on docked cruise ship

TOKYO -- Japanese officials are investigating an outbreak of the coronavirus among crew members of a cruise ship in Nagasaki , which has puzzled authorities because the southern port city has a relatively low number of infections and the vessel has been docked for almost two months .
The outbreak on the Italian-operated Costa Atlantica surfaced Tuesday when officials from Nagasaki and Mitsubishi Heavy Industry , which is in charge of repairs and maintenance on the ship , announced that a crew member developed a cough and fever .
By Thursday , 47 crew have tested positive for the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The ship has 623 crew , including a Japanese translator , and no passengers .
It came to Nagasaki after changing its repair plan in China due to the pandemic .
Officials did not disclose the nationalities of the crew .
One crew member became seriously ill Wednesday and was sent to a hospital , where he was put on a respirator , officials said .
The remaining staff are without serious symptoms and remain quarantined on board in single rooms , except for those on essential duties , including cooking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials said .
Some of the essential crew also are infected .
Details of the movements of the crew are not clear , but officials suspect they had either contracted the virus while in town or when the ship switched crew in the past few weeks .
Mitsubishi initially said the crew never left dock after March 14 , when Nagasaki reported its first coronavirus case and asked all crew members to stay on board .
But the company acknowledged the following day that some members who passed body temperature checks and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On Thursday , Mitsubishi said there was a possible switch of crew and that the company was checking with the ship operator , Costa Cruises .
As infections in Japan continue to spread nationwide , the outbreak on ship has raised concerns about testing and hospital capacity in Nagasaki , which has 17 people infected , 11 of them hospitalized .
Japan has about 12,000 cases , with 300 deaths .
Earlier this year , the U.S.-operated cruise Diamond Princess had 712 infected people among more than 3,700 passengers and crew while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tokyo .
Thirteen had died amid criticism that the prolonged quarantine and inadequate measures contributed to the spread of the virus in close quarters .
Two other cruise ships , the Costa Serena and the Costa Neo Romantica , are also docked in Nagasaki with 669 and 393 crew members , respectively .
Nagasaki city official Kaori Matsuo said so far there has been no report of anyone showing symptoms .
Nagasaki officials have said they plan to have the crew of the Costa Atlantica quarantine themselves on board unless they develop serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others who tested negative return to their countries .
Nagasaki is getting support from a military medical team and plans to test all the remaining crew by Friday .

Japan officials puzzled by outbreak on docked cruise ship
Italian-operated cruise ship the Costa Atlantica is anchored at a port in Nagasaki, southern Japan Thursday, April 23, 2020. Japanese officials said more crew members on the docked cruise ship have the coronavirus. The ship has been docked in Nagasaki since late January for repairs and maintenance, and has only crew on board. (Kyodo News via AP) Associated Press
Japan Self-Defense Forces' vehicles arrive at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Nagasaki Shipyard where Italian-operated cruise ship the Costa Atlantica is anchored, in Nagasaki, southern Japan, Thursday, April 23, 2020. The Costa Atlantica docked in Nagasaki since late January is struck by an onboard coronavirus outbreak in which dozens of crew members found to have infected, sending health officials in the southern Japanese city almost free of the virus scrambling to find clues to how the infections started on the ship. (Kyodo News via AP) Associated Press
Italian-operated cruise ship the Costa Atlantica is anchored at a port in Nagasaki, southern Japan, Thursday, April 23, 2020. The Costa Atlantica docked since late January is struck by an onboard coronavirus outbreak in which dozens of crew members found to have infected, sending health officials in the southern Japanese city almost free of the virus scrambling to find clues to how the infections started on the ship. (Kyodo News via AP) Associated Press
Italian-operated cruise ship the Costa Atlantica is anchored at a port in Nagasaki, southern Japan, Thursday, April 23, 2020. The Costa Atlantica docked since late January is struck by an onboard coronavirus outbreak in which dozens of crew members found to have infected, sending health officials in the southern Japanese city almost free of the virus scrambling to find clues to how the infections started on the ship. (Kyodo News via AP) Associated Press
TOKYO -- Japanese officials are investigating an outbreak of the coronavirus among crew members of a cruise ship in Nagasaki, which has puzzled authorities because the southern port city has a relatively low number of infections and the vessel has been docked for almost three months.
The outbreak on the Italian-operated Costa Atlantica surfaced Tuesday when officials from Nagasaki and Mitsubishi Heavy Industry, which is in charge of repairs and maintenance on the ship, announced that a crew member developed a cough and fever. By Thursday, 47 crew have tested positive for the virus, a Nagasaki prefectural official Hironori Hashiguchi said.
The ship has 623 crew, including a Japanese translator, and no passengers. It came to Nagasaki after changing its repair plan in China due to the pandemic. Officials did not disclose the nationalities of the crew.
One crew member became seriously ill Wednesday and was sent to a hospital, where he was put on a respirator, officials said.
The remaining staff are without serious symptoms and remain quarantined on board in single rooms, except for those on essential duties, including cooking and delivering food for their colleagues, officials said. Some of the essential crew also are infected.
Details of the movements of the crew are not clear, but officials suspect they had either contracted the virus while in town or when the ship switched crew in the past few weeks.
Mitsubishi initially said the crew never left dock after March 14, when Nagasaki reported its first coronavirus case and asked all crew members to stay on board. But the company acknowledged the following day that some members who passed body temperature checks and other requirements had been allowed off the ship. On Thursday, Mitsubishi said there was a possible switch of crew and that the company was checking with the ship operator, Costa Cruises.
As infections in Japan continue to spread nationwide, the outbreak on ship has raised concerns about testing and hospital capacity in Nagasaki, which has 17 people infected, 11 of them hospitalized. Japan has about 12,000 cases, with 300 deaths.
Earlier this year, the U.S.-operated cruise Diamond Princess had 712 infected people among more than 3,700 passengers and crew while it was quarantined in Yokohama, near Tokyo. Thirteen had died amid criticism that the prolonged quarantine and inadequate measures contributed to the spread of the virus in close quarters.
Two other cruise ships, the Costa Serena and the Costa Neo Romantica, are also docked in Nagasaki with 669 and 393 crew members, respectively. Nagasaki city official Kaori Matsuo said so far there has been no report of anyone showing symptoms.
Nagasaki officials have said they plan to have the crew of the Costa Atlantica quarantine themselves on board unless they develop serious symptoms, and seek ways to let others who tested negative return to their countries.
Nagasaki is getting support from a military medical team and plans to test all the remaining crew by Friday.
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Follow Mari Yamaguchi on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/mariyamaguchi