dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-28--Best way to protect yourself from coronavirus? Wash your hands

Amid growing fears of a global pandemic , health officials are taking precautionary steps to limit the spread of coronavirus in the United States .
But local health experts say individuals do n't have to take drastic measures to try to protect themselves .
It 's as simple as taking `` everyday preventive actions , '' such as frequent hand-washing and staying home when you 're sick , said Dr. Luis Manrique , an infectious disease physician with Northwestern Medicine .
Though individual cases of the novel COVID-19 have been reported in the U.S. , including two in Illinois , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like those occurring in parts of Asia and Europe .
But Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leaders have warned that clusters of infection are likely to begin appearing in American communities .
The Illinois Department of Public Health has been working with health care providers , local public health officials and various other agencies to `` coordinate a robust response and take every possible step we can to prepare , '' Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said in a statement .
Illinois `` led the charge '' by becoming the first state with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
Steps also are being taken to educate the public , such as creating a statewide hotline , updating websites and social media pages and sending out informational notices .
`` The risk here is still very low , '' said Apryll Elliott , assistant director for communicable disease with the Kane County Health Department .
`` But we are very cognizant and heightened in terms of our surveillance and monitoring to make sure we 're keeping our communities safe . ''
Health experts are warning people to avoid nonessential travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cruise ship or another mode of transportation -- to countries that have `` sustained transmission '' of coronavirus .
So far , the destinations identified by the CDC and the U.S. Department of State include China , Italy , South Korea , Iran and Japan .
Of the 60 cases reported in the United States as of Thursday , more than 40 were connected to a cruise ship with passengers who were stricken with respiratory illnesses after it docked in Japan .
Those returning home from a cruise or an international destination should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fever , cough or difficulty breathing within 14 days of travel , Manrique said .
Those who do become symptomatic should seek medical advice , he said .
But call ahead before going to a doctor 's office , urgent care center or emergency room so you and your doctors can follow proper protocol .
A woman wearing a sanitary mask looks at her phone in Milan , Italy .
Supplies Airports are swarming with travelers wearing face masks in hopes of protecting themselves from contracting the coronavirus .
But the CDC indicates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in good health .
Tightfitting N95 respirator masks are more successful in reducing exposure to airborne particles than regular surgical masks , which experts say do n't do much to prevent transmission of the disease .
The higher-end masks , which can be difficult to use , are crucial for health care workers and people who take care of others in close settings , Manrique said .
But some retailers are running low amid rising concerns of coronavirus outbreaks .
If you do n't need to wear one , he says , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Most people do n't know how to use face masks correctly , '' Manrique said .
`` A rush to buy masks could prevent the people who need them most -- health care providers -- from getting them . ''
Instead , stock up on plenty of soap and hand sanitizer that contains 60 % to 95 % alcohol .
Limited data available for COVID-19 and other strains of the coronavirus have shown older adults could be at risk for more severe outcomes , Manrique said .
Same goes for those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immunocompromising conditions such as cancer , chemotherapy and steroid use .
Maintaining a proper diet , getting enough sleep , exercising and taking prescribed medications for chronic conditions are the most effective ways to strengthen immune systems , he said .
Those healthy lifestyle choices are more productive in fighting viruses than some common falsehoods , such as using sesame oil and taking antibiotics , which work only on bacteria .
Some people think garlic will help prevent infection , Manrique added , but there 's no evidence that it has any benefit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And spraying yourself with alcohol or chlorine wo n't kill viruses already in your body , but it can be harmful to your clothes , eyes and mouth .
In the United States , the flu remains far more prevalent than coronavirus at this point , though the two can present with similar symptoms , said Uche Onwuta , director of disease prevention for the Kane County Health Department .
In China , it appears some cases of COVID-19 have been transmitted by people who are asymptomatic , she added , though that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Unlike the flu , however , there are no vaccines available yet for the coronavirus .
But the basic prevention methods are the same as any respiratory illness : wash your hands often , avoid people who are sick , cover your cough or sneeze , avoid touching your eyes and nose , stay home if you 're sick and wipe down frequently touched surfaces .
`` Hand-washing is the best intervention public health has ever come up with , '' Onwuta said .
`` It 's still as good as it @ @ @ @ @ @

Best way to protect yourself from coronavirus? Wash your hands
A man holds a baby while walking by the entrance of Zekai Tahir Burak Hospital where 17 passengers of a Turkish Airlines flight from Tehran, suspected of having coronavirus, were to be quarantined in Ankara, Turkey. Associated Press
Amid growing fears of a global pandemic, health officials are taking precautionary steps to limit the spread of coronavirus in the United States.
But local health experts say individuals don't have to take drastic measures to try to protect themselves. It's as simple as taking "everyday preventive actions," such as frequent hand-washing and staying home when you're sick, said Dr. Luis Manrique, an infectious disease physician with Northwestern Medicine.
Though individual cases of the novel COVID-19 have been reported in the U.S., including two in Illinois, the country has not yet experienced outbreaks like those occurring in parts of Asia and Europe. But Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leaders have warned that clusters of infection are likely to begin appearing in American communities.
The Illinois Department of Public Health has been working with health care providers, local public health officials and various other agencies to "coordinate a robust response and take every possible step we can to prepare," Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said in a statement.
Illinois "led the charge" by becoming the first state with the ability to test for coronavirus, she said. Steps also are being taken to educate the public, such as creating a statewide hotline, updating websites and social media pages and sending out informational notices.
"The risk here is still very low," said Apryll Elliott, assistant director for communicable disease with the Kane County Health Department. "But we are very cognizant and heightened in terms of our surveillance and monitoring to make sure we're keeping our communities safe."
Travel
Health experts are warning people to avoid nonessential travel -- whether it be by plane, cruise ship or another mode of transportation -- to countries that have "sustained transmission" of coronavirus. So far, the destinations identified by the CDC and the U.S. Department of State include China, Italy, South Korea, Iran and Japan.
Of the 60 cases reported in the United States as of Thursday, more than 40 were connected to a cruise ship with passengers who were stricken with respiratory illnesses after it docked in Japan.
Those returning home from a cruise or an international destination should be mindful of symptoms such as a fever, cough or difficulty breathing within 14 days of travel, Manrique said.
Those who do become symptomatic should seek medical advice, he said. But call ahead before going to a doctor's office, urgent care center or emergency room so you and your doctors can follow proper protocol.
A woman wearing a sanitary mask looks at her phone in Milan, Italy. - Associated Press
Airports are swarming with travelers wearing face masks in hopes of protecting themselves from contracting the coronavirus. But the CDC indicates the masks are ineffective and unnecessary for people in good health.
Tightfitting N95 respirator masks are more successful in reducing exposure to airborne particles than regular surgical masks, which experts say don't do much to prevent transmission of the disease.
The higher-end masks, which can be difficult to use, are crucial for health care workers and people who take care of others in close settings, Manrique said. But some retailers are running low amid rising concerns of coronavirus outbreaks.
If you don't need to wear one, he says, save the supply for those who do.
"Most people don't know how to use face masks correctly," Manrique said. "A rush to buy masks could prevent the people who need them most -- health care providers -- from getting them."
Instead, stock up on plenty of soap and hand sanitizer that contains 60% to 95% alcohol.
Immune system
Limited data available for COVID-19 and other strains of the coronavirus have shown older adults could be at risk for more severe outcomes, Manrique said. Same goes for those with underlying chronic medical conditions, including immunocompromising conditions such as cancer, chemotherapy and steroid use.
Maintaining a proper diet, getting enough sleep, exercising and taking prescribed medications for chronic conditions are the most effective ways to strengthen immune systems, he said. Those healthy lifestyle choices are more productive in fighting viruses than some common falsehoods, such as using sesame oil and taking antibiotics, which work only on bacteria.
Some people think garlic will help prevent infection, Manrique added, but there's no evidence that it has any benefit other than containing some antimicrobial properties. And spraying yourself with alcohol or chlorine won't kill viruses already in your body, but it can be harmful to your clothes, eyes and mouth.
Viruses
In the United States, the flu remains far more prevalent than coronavirus at this point, though the two can present with similar symptoms, said Uche Onwuta, director of disease prevention for the Kane County Health Department.
In China, it appears some cases of COVID-19 have been transmitted by people who are asymptomatic, she added, though that has yet to be seen among Americans.
Unlike the flu, however, there are no vaccines available yet for the coronavirus. But the basic prevention methods are the same as any respiratory illness: wash your hands often, avoid people who are sick, cover your cough or sneeze, avoid touching your eyes and nose, stay home if you're sick and wipe down frequently touched surfaces.
"Hand-washing is the best intervention public health has ever come up with," Onwuta said. "It's still as good as it was 200 years ago."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-01--Iconic Pheasant Run resort in St. Charles closes with tears, nostalgia

Pheasant Run management may have been ready Sunday morning to attach a permanent `` do not disturb '' sign on its doors .
But as the time for the final 11 a.m. checkout beckoned , the last guests stubbornly clung to the historic St. Charles resort , unwilling to part from a place they associated with cherished family memories .
At a table , one group played cards , while nearby , a twosome played Ping-Pong .
Plenty of signs of life remained .
The waterfall at the combination indoor-outdoor pool still flowed , and the string of lights stretching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the lodgers dragged their suitcases into the parking lot and the drop-off by the front door .
As it ceases operations , the future of the resort campus at 4051 E. Main St. in St. Charles is open to speculation .
The property has been marketed for sale since November , shortly after its management announced plans to restructure operations and reduce its staff by 75 % .
An online auction for the 18.3-acre site took place in February , ending with a final bid of $ 6 million .
The resort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ price established by the seller , had not been met , though the auction website indicated a winning bidder could still be declared and a sale negotiated .
Weeks later , city officials say they have received no official word on the resort 's fate .
Built in 1963 on what was once a dairy farm , Pheasant Run continued expanding in size and scope the next couple of decades as founder Edward McArdle developed his vision for the property .
On Sunday , guests took pictures to commemorate their final journey , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barb Zumpano , left with memories dating back to childhood and a cardboard sign from the bistro for `` refreshing iced tea . ''
She said she had always walked around with a cup of iced tea .
`` My eyes are watering .
It 's like losing my best friend , '' she said , as she said she expressed sympathy for the longtime employees of the resort .
`` I know all the people who work here .
I think they 're more upset about how it was handled .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end .
And they did n't have a big party . ''
Guests , however , had one last big blowout at the pool Saturday night .
`` At one time , there had to be 60 people at that pool , '' said Zumpano , who visited the resort with her parents when it first opened and then later took her own children .
She fondly remembered Bourbon Street and the indoor-outdoor pool where she could swim outside during the winter .
She also remembered the food .
`` They made the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Fifteen people from three generations of one family also were among the final guests .
They included siblings Scott Fain of McHenry , Wisconsin residents Ryan Fain and Nicole Hajewski and their own parents , McHenry residents Ron Fain and Linda Fain .
`` We came here for Thanksgiving weekend for 25 years straight , '' Ryan Fain said .
Of the closing , he said , `` It 's disappointing for sure .
We have a lot of memories here .
The resort is so unique . ''
He fondly recalled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visiting the dinner theater with family to see `` Annie '' and `` West Side Story . ''
He said the family even met Jerry Seinfeld when he was appearing at the Mega Center .
Around checkout time , Diane Lynch of Wheaton dropped by to get one last look .
`` I worked here for 35 years , '' she said .
`` I just had to take some photos . ''
She said she started as a single mom with three children , beginning in accounting and advancing to front office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place , '' said Lynch , who is now retired .
She said her memories include seeing longtime owner David McArdle grow up .
`` He was a 7-8 year old , '' Lynch said .
`` I would bring my daughter here on a Saturday , and he was so hungry for friendship , he would take her all over .
She said , 'Mom , I have seen places I bet you never knew existed . '
`` It was a real family .
We worked hard and we played hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours a week , if you were a manager . ''
She said it is a sad occasion , but said , `` There is still hope , if the city is willing to work with any of the buyers .
So it 's a possibility that something might still happen . ''

Iconic Pheasant Run resort in St. Charles closes with tears, nostalgia
The iconic Pheasant Run Resort is ceasing operations in St. Charles on Sunday. Mark Black / for the Daily Herald
The iconic Pheasant Run Resort is ceasing operations in St. Charles on Sunday. Mark Black / for the Daily Herald
The electronic sign outside the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles reads "Thanks for the memories" on the last day of operations on Sunday. Mark Black / for the Daily Herald
Bourbon Street in the iconic Pheasant Run Resort is empty as the iconic resort ceases operations in St. Charles on Sunday. Mark Black / for the Daily Herald
A sign hanging in the pool room of the iconic Pheasant Run Resort. The resort is ceasing operations in St. Charles on Sunday. Mark Black / for the Daily Herald
The iconic Pheasant Run Resort is ceasing operations in St. Charles on Sunday. Mark Black / for the Daily Herald
Barb Zumpano of West Chicago is keeping her Pheasant Run Resort room key as a memento of the resort after checking out for the last time on Sunday. Mark Black / for the Daily Herald
Barb Zumpano of West Chicago loads up her car after spending several weeks at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles before the historic resort closed on Sunday. Mark Black / for the Daily Herald
Retired Pheasant Run Resort employee of 35 years, Diane Lynch of Wheaton stopped by for one last look at the iconic resort before they ceasing operations in St. Charles on Sunday. Mark Black / for the Daily Herald
Pheasant Run management may have been ready Sunday morning to attach a permanent "do not disturb" sign on its doors.
But as the time for the final 11 a.m. checkout beckoned, the last guests stubbornly clung to the historic St. Charles resort, unwilling to part from a place they associated with cherished family memories.
At a table, one group played cards, while nearby, a twosome played Ping-Pong.
Plenty of signs of life remained. The waterfall at the combination indoor-outdoor pool still flowed, and the string of lights stretching above the Bourbon Street area still glowed, even as the lodgers dragged their suitcases into the parking lot and the drop-off by the front door.
As it ceases operations, the future of the resort campus at 4051 E. Main St. in St. Charles is open to speculation.
The property has been marketed for sale since November, shortly after management announced plans to restructure and reduce staff by 75%.
An online auction for the 18.3-acre site took place in February, ending with a final bid of $6 million. The resort's undisclosed reserve, or the minimum price established by the seller, had not been met, though the auction website indicated a winning bidder could still be declared and a sale negotiated.
Weeks later, city officials say they have received no official word on the resort's fate.
Built in 1963 on what was once a dairy farm, Pheasant Run continued expanding in size and scope the next couple of decades as founder Edward McArdle developed his vision for the property.
On Sunday, guests took pictures to commemorate their final journey, and one guest, West Chicago resident Barb Zumpano, left with memories dating back to childhood and a cardboard sign from the bistro for "refreshing iced tea." She said she had always walked around with a cup of iced tea.
"My eyes are watering. It's like losing my best friend," she said. "I know all the people who work here. I think they're more upset about how it was handled. They didn't recognize the employees at the end. And they didn't have a big party."
Guests, however, had one last big blowout at the pool Saturday night.
"At one time, there had to be 60 people at that pool," said Zumpano, who visited the resort with her parents when it first opened and then later took her own children.
She fondly remembered Bourbon Street and the indoor-outdoor pool where she could swim outside during the winter.
She also remembered the food: "They made the best filet mignon I ever had."
Fifteen people from three generations of one family also were among the final guests.
They included siblings Scott Fain of McHenry, Wisconsin residents Ryan Fain and Nicole Hajewski and their own parents, McHenry residents Ron Fain and Linda Fain.
"We came here for Thanksgiving weekend for 25 years straight," Ryan Fain said.
Of the closing, he said, "It's disappointing for sure. We have a lot of memories here. The resort is so unique."
He fondly recalled the champagne brunches, string quartets and visiting the dinner theater with family to see "Annie" and "West Side Story." He said the family even met Jerry Seinfeld when he was appearing at the Mega Center.
Around checkout time, Diane Lynch of Wheaton dropped by to get one last look.
"I worked here for 35 years," she said. "I just had to take some photos."
She said she started as a single mom with three children, beginning in accounting and advancing to front office manager.
"It was a wonderful place," said Lynch, who is now retired.
She said her memories include seeing longtime owner David McArdle grow up.
"He was a 7-8 year old," Lynch said. "I would bring my daughter here on a Saturday, and he was so hungry for friendship, he would take her all over. She said, 'Mom, I have seen places I bet you never knew existed.'
"It was a real family. We worked hard and we played hard. It was nothing to work 50-55 hours a week, if you were a manager."
She said it is a sad occasion, but said, "There is still hope, if the city is willing to work with any of the buyers. So it's a possibility that something might still happen."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-01--Gurnee police look for juvenile in stabbing

Gurnee police say they are looking for a juvenile who was said to have attacked another youth with a knife , leaving him bleeding .
Police said they were called Saturday to a parking lot in the 6100 block of Grand Avenue , where a fight between juveniles had been reported .
They were told that one of them may have a knife and that a person was stabbed .
When they arrived , officers found eight who had taken part in the fight .
One of them , a 13-year-old boy , was bleeding from the head .
Officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the fight were acquaintances .
Witnesses told officers that another juvenile , who had hit the victim with a small knife , had left the scene .
Gurnee police said officers have identified the juvenile and are working to locate him .
Gurnee firefighters also arrived on the scene and provide medical support , but the victim was not taken to the hospital .
Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact Gurnee police at ( 847 ) 599-7000 .
Anonymous tips can be submitted to Lake County Crime Stoppers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Gurnee police look for juvenile in stabbing
Gurnee police say they are looking for a juvenile who was said to have attacked another youth with a knife, leaving him bleeding.
Police said they were called Saturday to a parking lot in the 6100 block of Grand Avenue, where a fight between juveniles had been reported. They were told that one of them may have a knife and that a person was stabbed.
When they arrived, officers found eight who had taken part in the fight. One of them, a 13-year-old boy, was bleeding from the head.
Officers were told that all who were involved in the fight were acquaintances. Witnesses told officers that another juvenile, who had hit the victim with a small knife, had left the scene.
Gurnee police said officers have identified the juvenile and are working to locate him.
Gurnee firefighters also arrived on the scene and provide medical support, but the victim was not taken to the hospital.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact Gurnee police at (847) 599-7000. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Lake County Crime Stoppers at lakecountycrimestoppers.com or (847) 662-2222.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-01--'˜The Invisible Man' tops box office with $29 million

LOS ANGELES -- The Elisabeth Moss-led thriller 'The Invisible Man' rode a wave of good reviews to a very visible @ @ @ @ @ this weekend .
Universal Pictures on Sunday estimated that the film from writer-director Leigh Whannell @ @ @ @ @ North American theaters .
Internationally , it picked up an additional $ 20.2 million .
@ @ @ @ @ relatively modest budget , costing under $ 10 million to produce .
'Sonic the Hedgehog' @ @ @ @ @ its third weekend in theaters with $ 16 million .
'The Call of the Wild @ @ @ @ @ , placed third in its second weekend with $ 13.2 million .
And in limited @ @ @ @ @ re-imagining of the Peter Pan myth , 'Wendy , ' got off to a bumpy @ @ @ @ @ from four theaters .

'The Invisible Man' tops box office with $29 million
This image released by Universal Pictures shows Elisabeth Moss in a scene from "The Invisible Man." (Mark Rogers/Universal Pictures via AP) Associated Press
This image released by Paramount Pictures shows Sonic, voiced by Ben Schwartz, in a scene from "Sonic the Hedgehog." (Paramount Pictures/Sega of America via AP) Associated Press
LOS ANGELES - The Elisabeth Moss-led thriller "The Invisible Man" rode a wave of good reviews to a very visible spot atop the box office this weekend. Universal Pictures on Sunday estimated that the film from writer-director Leigh Whannell earned $29 million from North American theaters. Internationally, the Blumhouse production picked up an additional $20.2 million.
Whannell helped dust off the classic H.G. Wells story and update it for modern audiences by focusing on Moss' victim character instead of the Invisible Man character, who here is an abusive ex-boyfriend.
"The Invisible Man" carried a relatively modest budget, costing under $10 million to produce, and exceeded expectations by a few million dollars. The film, which had been well-received by critics, drew diverse audiences to the theaters (46% Caucasian, 20% African American and 18% Hispanic), according to exit polls.
"We couldn't be more pleased," said Jim Orr, Universal's president of domestic distribution. "(Whannell) brought this century-old character to life in a very clever and relevant way."
The studio expects it to continue to play well into March, although it will have some extra competition when "A Quiet Place Part II" opens on March 20.
Paramount Pictures' "Sonic the Hedgehog" slid to second place in its third weekend in theaters adding $16 million and bringing its domestic total to $128.3 million. "The Call of the Wild," with Harrison Ford, placed third in its second weekend with $13.2 million.
Fourth place went to the anime superhero film "My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising," which opened to $6.3 million from just 1,260 screens.
"We should never underestimate films like this that may not have broad recognition among the general public," said Comscore's senior media analyst Paul Dergarabedian.
"Bad Boys for Life" rounded out the top five with $4.3 million in its seventh weekend. The Will Smith and Martin Lawrence pic is just shy of reaching the $200 million mark in North America and has earned over $400 million globally.
In limited release, "Wendy," Benh Zeitlin's long-awaited follow-up to his Oscar-nominated film "Beasts of the Southern Wild," got off to a bumpy start with just $30,000 from four theaters. The Peter Pan-inspired film has garnered mixed reviews from critics and will be expanding in the coming weeks.
Although it's still early in the year, overall the box office is up nearly 3.5%.
"This weekend it was business as usual in North American theaters," Dergarabedian said. "People went to the movies to escape the trials and tribulations of the real world."
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Where available, the latest international numbers for Friday through Sunday are also included. Final domestic figures will be released Monday.
1. "The Invisible Man," $29 million ($20.2 million international).
2. "Sonic The Hedgehog," $16 million ($26.8 million international).
3. "The Call of the Wild," $13.2 million ($11 million international).
4. "My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising," $6.3 million ($117,000 international).
5. "Bad Boys for Life," $4.3 million ($4.9 million international).
6. "Birds of Prey," $4.1 million ($4.6 million international).
7. "Impractical Jokers: The Movie," $3.5 million.
8. "1917," $2.7 million ($5.3 million international).
9. "Brahms: The Boy II," $2.6 million ($2.4 million international).
10. "Blumhouse's Fantasy Island," $2.3 million ($1.9 million international).


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-01--Suburban hospitals conduct drills, implement infection prevention to prepare for coronavirus patient

Suburban hospitals conduct drills, implement infection prevention to prepare for coronavirus patients

With a married couple from Chicago having been successfully treated for coronavirus infection at Amita St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates , hospitals in the suburbs are sharing knowledge gained from near and far in preparing for the possibility of a more extensive outbreak .
A third patient in the Cook County suburbs was diagnosed preliminarily over the weekend as having the infection .
State and county officials were releasing no further information , pending confirmation of the diagnosis by the national Centers for Disease Control .
In preparation for a possible outbreak , the Illinois Department of Public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for available space should more people require care for coronavirus infection .
The department also is assessing the availability of personal protective equipment -- gloves , masks , gowns , goggles and the like -- for health care workers .
Health care providers and their individual hospitals , meanwhile , are preparing themselves by implementing infection prevention protocols , screening patients for symptoms and risk factors , and running drills on their response to a positive diagnosis of COVID-19 .
`` We assembled a team representing infection prevention , emergency preparedness , supply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilities are prepared with ample supplies and support to keep our patients and team members safe , '' said Dr. Gary Stuck , chief medical officer of the Downers Grove-based Advocate Aurora Health hospitals .
If a major outbreak occurs , infection control and isolation are the primary means of limiting the spread of the disease because effective vaccines and antiviral medications do n't yet exist , said Dr .
Guy Kochvar , an infectious diseases specialist with Arlington Heights-based Northwest Community Healthcare .
While the availability of protective equipment for staff members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients with symptoms of a respiratory infection also should be given masks as soon as they 're identified , Kochvar said .
`` This is particularly important during times that we experience high volumes of illness with respiratory viruses such as influenza , '' he said .
While many of the protocols in place are designed to prevent the spread of infection to other patients and staffers , Kochvar also explained how those being treated for coronavirus recover themselves .
While 80 % of infections appear to be mild and require only limited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about two weeks , about 15 % of cases can be severe and another 5 % can be critical , requiring a more prolonged recovery time of three to six weeks , Kochvar said .
`` Those critically ill may present with respiratory failure , shock or multi-organ dysfunction , '' he said , `` and recovery may involve extended time on a ventilator and physical rehabilitation with physical and occupational therapy . ''
Northwest Community Healthcare , like other providers , is sharing updates from the CDC and state health department with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to identify potentially infected patients , rapid triage techniques , infection prevention and control measures designed to minimize exposure to health care personnel , isolation procedures and testing procedures , Kochvar said .
It also is staging drills to prepare for the discovery of infected patients .
Those suspected of coronavirus infection will be placed in airborne isolation rooms at the hospital with controlled airflow to minimize the chance of exposure to others , Kochvar said .
Potential exposures would be investigated and managed by the health department and the CDC .
Officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have received inquiries from other local health care providers , the CDC and state health department remain the recognized authorities on care and recommendations .
Officials from Amita and Advocate Aurora Health said their preparedness for coronavirus has been helped by the fact that many of the same infection prevention measures were already in effect for flu season .
Amita officials said the two coronavirus patients at St. Alexius -- who were treated there because it 's where the wife 's primary physician practices -- were kept in individual isolation rooms and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The use of personal protective equipment was required of all staff members caring for those patients .
Under the oversight of the CDC and state health department , St. Alexius remained safe and operating at full capacity during the stay of the coronavirus patients , Amita officials said .
Standard precautions also include placing signs at key entry points outlining symptoms for coronavirus and flu , according to Amita officials .
Frontline screening has been put in place to identify anyone who may be at higher risk based on their travel history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CDC , they said .
A large outbreak in the U.S. would place `` significant stress '' on American health care facilities and personnel , Kochvar said .
`` We could potentially see cancellations of public gatherings ( and ) school and business closures , as currently seen in parts of Asia and Europe , '' he added .
According to recent estimates , 20 % of people infected with the virus develop severe or critical illnesses .
The overall mortality rate is believed to be about 2 % .
People who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ either after traveling to an area experiencing an outbreak or after contact with a person confirmed to be infected , should call their primary doctor or a local health care facility , Kochvar said .
Notifying those staffs by phone before an in-person visit will allow the screening process to begin and prevent unnecessary exposure of others , he said .
Anyone with questions or concerns can contact the Illinois Department of Public Health coronavirus hotline at ( 800 ) 889-3931 or email dph.sick @ illinois.gov .
The Cook County Department of Public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at cookcountypublichealth.org/communicable-diseases/novel-coronavirus .

What suburban hospitals are doing to prepare for coronavirus patients
Hospitals across the suburbs and Illinois are preparing for the possibility of further cases of coronavirus infection with protocols and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Illinois Department of Public Health. Courtesy of CDC, via AP
With a married couple from Chicago having been successfully treated for coronavirus infection at Amita St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates, hospitals in the suburbs are sharing knowledge gained from near and far in preparing for the possibility of a more extensive outbreak.
A third patient in the Cook County suburbs was diagnosed preliminarily over the weekend as having the infection. State and county officials were releasing no further information, pending confirmation of the diagnosis by the national Centers for Disease Control.
In preparation for a possible outbreak, the Illinois Department of Public Health is assessing hospitals throughout the state for available space should more people require care for coronavirus infection. The department also is assessing the availability of personal protective equipment -- gloves, masks, gowns, goggles and the like -- for health care workers.
Health care providers and their individual hospitals, meanwhile, are preparing themselves by implementing infection prevention protocols, screening patients for symptoms and risk factors, and running drills on their response to a positive diagnosis of COVID-19.
"We assembled a team representing infection prevention, emergency preparedness, supply chain and other departments to ensure our facilities are prepared with ample supplies and support to keep our patients and team members safe," said Dr. Gary Stuck, chief medical officer of the Downers Grove-based Advocate Aurora Health hospitals.
If a major outbreak occurs, infection control and isolation are the primary means of limiting the spread of the disease because effective vaccines and antiviral medications don't yet exist, said Dr. Guy Kochvar, an infectious diseases specialist with Arlington Heights-based Northwest Community Healthcare.
While the availability of protective equipment for staff members has been identified as a priority, patients with symptoms of a respiratory infection also should be given masks as soon as they're identified, Kochvar said.
"This is particularly important during times that we experience high volumes of illness with respiratory viruses such as influenza," he said.
While many of the protocols in place are designed to prevent the spread of infection to other patients and staffers, Kochvar also explained how those being treated for coronavirus recover themselves.
While 80% of infections appear to be mild and require only limited supportive care with a recovery time of about two weeks, about 15% of cases can be severe and another 5% can be critical, requiring a more prolonged recovery time of three to six weeks, Kochvar said.
"Those critically ill may present with respiratory failure, shock or multi-organ dysfunction," he said, "and recovery may involve extended time on a ventilator and physical rehabilitation with physical and occupational therapy."
Northwest Community Healthcare, like other providers, is sharing updates from the CDC and state health department with its staff. Those include screening guidelines to identify potentially infected patients, rapid triage techniques, infection prevention and control measures designed to minimize exposure to health care personnel, isolation procedures and testing procedures, Kochvar said.
It also is staging drills to prepare for the discovery of infected patients.
Those suspected of coronavirus infection will be placed in airborne isolation rooms at the hospital with controlled airflow to minimize the chance of exposure to others, Kochvar said. Potential exposures would be investigated and managed by the health department and the CDC.
Officials at Lisle-based Amita Health said that while they have received inquiries from other local health care providers, the CDC and state health department remain the recognized authorities on care and recommendations.
Officials from Amita and Advocate Aurora Health said their preparedness for coronavirus has been helped by the fact that many of the same infection prevention measures were already in effect for flu season.
Amita officials said the two coronavirus patients at St. Alexius -- who were treated there because it's where the wife's primary physician practices -- were kept in individual isolation rooms and had no contact with any other patients.
The use of personal protective equipment was required of all staff members caring for those patients.
Under the oversight of the CDC and state health department, St. Alexius remained safe and operating at full capacity during the stay of the coronavirus patients, Amita officials said.
Standard precautions also include placing signs at key entry points outlining symptoms for coronavirus and flu, according to Amita officials. Frontline screening has been put in place to identify anyone who may be at higher risk based on their travel history and contact, as directed by the CDC, they said.
A large outbreak in the U.S. would place "significant stress" on American health care facilities and personnel, Kochvar said.
"We could potentially see cancellations of public gatherings (and) school and business closures, as currently seen in parts of Asia and Europe," he added.
According to recent estimates, 20% of people infected with the virus develop severe or critical illnesses. The overall mortality rate is believed to be about 2%.
People who are concerned they may have the virus, either after traveling to an area experiencing an outbreak or after contact with a person confirmed to be infected, should call their primary doctor or a local health care facility, Kochvar said. Notifying those staffs by phone before an in-person visit will allow the screening process to begin and prevent unnecessary exposure of others, he said.
Anyone with questions or concerns can contact the Illinois Department of Public Health coronavirus hotline at (800) 889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.
The Cook County Department of Public Health also is providing information and updates at cookcountypublichealth.org/communicable-diseases/novel-coronavirus.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-01--Coronavirus: What O'Hare, Metra, CTA are doing amid COVID-19 fears

The idea of a coronavirus outbreak shutting down airports , trains and buses -- as occurred in Wuhan , China , in January -- seems improbable in the suburbs .
But as the worldwide count of patients spirals and federal authorities warn more U.S. cases are inevitable , how prepared is the region 's transportation network ?
In Illinois so far , two people diagnosed with the deadly disease in Chicago have recovered , and a third presumed case in Cook County was announced Saturday .
O'Hare International Airport is one of 11 U.S. airports screening flyers who 've been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pneumonia .
But after a man died of the virus near Seattle , President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence on Saturday said the U.S. is asking Italy and South Korea to conduct health screenings of people coming to the U.S. and restricted admission to the U.S. from Iran .
At a separate area in O'Hare 's Terminal 5 , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public health officers check passengers for symptoms of coronavirus such as fever and coughing .
`` Sick travelers who are reasonably believed to be infected with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be transferred to a hospital for further assessment , '' CDC spokesman Scott Pauley said earlier .
`` Right now , Chicago Department of Public Health staff are at O'Hare airport , as they are every day , connecting with returning travelers , distributing thermometers , collecting information as a complement to the CDC federal screening , '' public health Commissioner Allison Arwady said .
`` Right now , CDPH staff are monitoring hundreds of recently returned travelers and arranging testing if these travelers develop symptoms . ''
As to whether the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people arriving from South Korea , Japan and Italy , where the illness is widespread , officials would not say as yet .
A CDC spokesman told CNN that `` every day we re-evaluate what we 're doing . ''
Currently , the government is telling Americans not to travel to China and Iran , and has alerts regarding trips to South Korea and Italy .
The White House also expanded travel advisories Saturday , warning Americans not to go to certain areas of Italy and South Korea with significant coronavirus ( COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loom for transit agencies in containing a disease spread by coughing or sneezing on a system that transports nearly 2 million people in close quarters every weekday .
Metra , Pace and CTA officials said they will take the lead from state and federal health authorities if significant virus cases emerge in the Chicago area .
`` I should n't say we 're not worried , but we feel prepared because we have a very dedicated staff , '' Pace spokeswoman Maggie Daly Skogsbakken said .
Last week , `` Pace issued a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's recommendations to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases , including frequent hand washing and sanitizing .
Face masks are not recommended at this time , '' she said .
Toronto commuters were rattled in 2003 during the SARS epidemic when they learned a nurse with the disease had been riding a commuter train .
Going forward , among the contingencies facing local transit agencies might be stocking up on face masks , hand sanitizer and wipes .
`` We 'll take our direction from the Office of Emergency Management , '' Daly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buses nightly and those efforts could be stepped up as needed , she added .
`` The biggest priority is to keep everyone safe and keep transit running , '' Daly Skogsbakken said .
As for Metra , `` if there is an outbreak here , we would follow the directions of health authorities , '' Metra Communications Director Michael Gillis said .
A CTA spokesman said the agency is coordinating with the CDC and Chicago Department of Public Health but would not discuss details .
At O'Hare 's Terminal 5 , travelers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a separate area and asked to complete a questionnaire about their visit and provide contact information .
CDC staffers use noncontact thermometers to take temperatures and if an individual has breathing difficulties , fever or a cough , he or she will be taken to a medical facility for evaluation and care if needed , the CDC said .
Terminal 5 also has a quarantine station .
People without symptoms who returned from Hubai Province , where Wuhan is located and the epicenter of the outbreak , will be under a quarantine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay at Naval Station Great Lakes near North Chicago .
Healthy travelers from China who did n't visit Hubai Province will be asked to stay at home for 14 days , avoid contact with other people , and monitor their health according to the CDC 's website .
Spring is coming and so is road work .
IDOT advises Northwest Highway ( Route 14 ) drivers to expect delays as crews resurface pavement between Merrill and Miner streets in the Park Ridge/Des Plaines area .
Work wraps up in November .
Got your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should because in January Metra began checking tickets before passengers board some trains at downtown stations .
Most riders are complying and about 5 % ask for an explanation , a spokesman said .
The answer -- Metra is trying to recapture lost fare revenues .

Coronavirus: What O'Hare, Metra, CTA are doing amid COVID-19 fears
Courtesy of Centers for Disease ControlA traveler is checked for illness at O'Hare International Airport's quarantine station.
Associated PressWorkers disinfect subway trains against coronavirus in Tehran, Iran, in the early morning of Feb. 25. Iran's government said Tuesday that more than a dozen people had died nationwide from the new coronavirus, rejecting claims of a much higher death toll of 50 by a lawmaker from the city of Qom that has been at the epicenter of the virus in the country.
The idea of a coronavirus outbreak shutting down airports, trains and buses -- as occurred in Wuhan, China, in January -- seems improbable in the suburbs.
But as the worldwide count of patients spirals and federal authorities warn more U.S. cases are inevitable, how prepared is the region's transportation network?
In Illinois so far, two people diagnosed with the deadly disease in Chicago have recovered, and a third presumed case in Cook County was announced Saturday.
O'Hare International Airport is one of 11 U.S. airports screening flyers who've been in China for the virus that causes pneumonia.
But after a man died of the virus near Seattle, President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence on Saturday said the U.S. is asking Italy and South Korea to conduct health screenings of people coming to the U.S. and restricted admission to the U.S. from Iran.
At a separate area in O'Hare's Terminal 5, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public health officers check passengers for symptoms of coronavirus such as fever and coughing.
"Sick travelers who are reasonably believed to be infected with or exposed to the new coronavirus will be transferred to a hospital for further assessment," CDC spokesman Scott Pauley said earlier.
"Right now, Chicago Department of Public Health staff are at O'Hare airport, as they are every day, connecting with returning travelers, distributing thermometers, collecting information as a complement to the CDC federal screening," public health Commissioner Allison Arwady said. "Right now, CDPH staff are monitoring hundreds of recently returned travelers and arranging testing if these travelers develop symptoms."
As to whether the government will expand screenings at U.S. airports of people arriving from South Korea, Japan and Italy, where the illness is widespread, officials would not say as yet. A CDC spokesman told CNN that "every day we re-evaluate what we're doing."
Currently, the government is telling Americans not to travel to China and Iran, and has alerts regarding trips to South Korea and Italy.
The White House also expanded travel advisories Saturday, warning Americans not to go to certain areas of Italy and South Korea with significant coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreaks.
Meanwhile, myriad logistics loom for transit agencies in containing a disease spread by coughing or sneezing on a system that transports nearly 2 million people in close quarters every weekday.
Metra, Pace and CTA officials said they will take the lead from state and federal health authorities if significant virus cases emerge in the Chicago area.
"I shouldn't say we're not worried, but we feel prepared because we have a very dedicated staff," Pace spokeswoman Maggie Daly Skogsbakken said.
Last week, "Pace issued a memo to all employees with the CDC's recommendations to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including frequent hand washing and sanitizing. Face masks are not recommended at this time," she said.
Toronto commuters were rattled in 2003 during the SARS epidemic when they learned a nurse with the disease had been riding a commuter train.
Going forward, among the contingencies facing local transit agencies might be stocking up on face masks, hand sanitizer and wipes. "We'll take our direction from the Office of Emergency Management," Daly Skogsbakken said.
Pace cleans and sanitizes buses nightly and those efforts could be stepped up as needed, she added.
"The biggest priority is to keep everyone safe and keep transit running," Daly Skogsbakken said.
As for Metra, "if there is an outbreak here, we would follow the directions of health authorities," Metra Communications Director Michael Gillis said.
A CTA spokesman said the agency is coordinating with the CDC and Chicago Department of Public Health but would not discuss details.
At O'Hare's Terminal 5, travelers who have been in China are directed to a separate area and asked to complete a questionnaire about their visit and provide contact information.
CDC staffers use noncontact thermometers to take temperatures and if an individual has breathing difficulties, fever or a cough, he or she will be taken to a medical facility for evaluation and care if needed, the CDC said. Terminal 5 also has a quarantine station.
People without symptoms who returned from Hubai Province, where Wuhan is located and the epicenter of the outbreak, will be under a quarantine order, which could mean a 14-day stay at Naval Station Great Lakes near North Chicago. Healthy travelers from China who didn't visit Hubai Province will be asked to stay at home for 14 days, avoid contact with other people, and monitor their health according to the CDC's website.
Gridlock alert
Spring is coming and so is road work. IDOT advises Northwest Highway (Route 14) drivers to expect delays as crews resurface pavement between Merrill and Miner streets in the Park Ridge/Des Plaines area. Work wraps up in November.
Tickets, please
Got your pass or Ventra card ready? You should because in January Metra began checking tickets before passengers board some trains at downtown stations. Most riders are complying and about 5% ask for an explanation, a spokesman said. The answer -- Metra is trying to recapture lost fare revenues.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-01--Buttigieg ends his presidential campaign

WASHINGTON -- Pete Buttigieg , who rose from being an Indiana mayor to a barrier-breaking , top-tier candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination , ended his campaign on Sunday .
`` The truth is the path has narrowed to a close for our candidacy if not for our cause , '' Buttigieg told supporters in South Bend , Indiana .
`` We must recognize that , at this point in the race , the best way to keep faith with those goals and ideals is to step aside and help bring our party and country together . ''
The decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buttigieg 's leading rivals , former Vice President Joe Biden , scored a resounding victory in South Carolina that sparked new pressure on the party 's moderate wing to coalesce behind Biden .
Buttigieg had been critical of Biden , charging that the 77-year-old lifelong politician was out of step with today 's politics .
But his criticism had shifted in recent days more toward front-runner Bernie Sanders , a polarizing progressive who was benefiting from the sheer number of candidates dividing up the moderate vote .
Buttigieg and former Vice President Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not speak , according to a source with knowledge of the attempted conversations .
Buttigieg made the first call to tell Biden of his decision , then Biden returned the call .
The pair missed each other because of travel logistics .
Buttigieg , the first openly gay candidate to seriously contend for the presidency , tried to make the case that his party thrived when it embraced candidates who offered generational change .
But the 38-year-old Afghanistan war veteran ended up being more successful at winning older voters while Sanders , 78 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The Pete Buttigieg story is n't over .
It 's just beginning , '' said Democratic strategist David Axelrod .
`` He 's 38 years old .
He 's vaulted himself into the national conversation .
He obviously has work to do on some ... weaknesses we 've seen in this election , but whenever there is a conversation again about Democratic candidates , he 'll be in that conversation .
And that 's a remarkable achievement , given where he started a year ago . ''
Voters saw Buttigieg in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ field , and he flourished early with a top finish in the Iowa caucuses and a close second place finish in New Hampshire .
But as the race moved to more diverse states , less dependent on college-educated voters , Buttigieg struggled .
Despite robust organizations in Iowa and New Hampshire and supporters who included an influx of former independents and Republicans , Buttigieg failed to overcome daunting questions about his ability to draw African American support key to the Democratic base .
He earned just 3 % of the nonwhite vote in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to AP VoteCast , a wide-ranging survey of the electorate .
As mayor of a city that is 25 % black , Buttigieg faced criticism for firing the first African American police chief in the history of South Bend and for his handling of the case of a white police officer who fatally shot an armed black man in June .
A Black Lives Matter group from South Bend released a statement saying it was `` excited '' that Buttigieg left the race .
`` We hope that he learned his lesson -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer be tolerated , '' the group wrote .
After his unexpected rise to contention in Iowa and New Hampshire last fall , Buttigieg became the target of Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren for the high-dollar fundraisers he was hosting , notably one in a wine cave in California .
Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar also went at Buttigieg in the months before the caucuses for lacking national experience .
She noted that he had lost his only statewide race as a candidate for Indiana treasurer in 2010 , while she had won three statewide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican-heavy regions .
Buttigieg presented a starkly different figure on the debate stage than the other leading candidates -- all septuagenarians -- and drew admirers for his calm , reasoned demeanor and rhetorical skills that reflected his Harvard-trained , Rhodes scholar background but that some voters and operatives described as `` robotic . ''
Buttigieg had modeled his campaign somewhat on that of former President Barack Obama , who won the 2008 Iowa caucuses largely based on a message of unity and by drawing in a healthy bloc of first-time caucus participants , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high-turnout contest .
Jim Ward , a volunteer on the campaign in South Bend , said he and others were at the local campaign office training at around 6 p.m. when they learned of Buttigieg 's decision .
`` They got word and left rather quickly , '' he said in a text with the AP , noting that he had mixed emotions .
`` I am so proud the campaign and proud of Pete for making this decision when he 's making it and not prolonging the campaign any longer than necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am just so , so sad that it did n't work out this time . ''

Buttigieg ends his presidential campaign
Democratic presidential candidate and former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg speaks Sunday during a speech to supporters in South Bend, Ind. Santiago Flores/South Bend Tribune via AP
WASHINGTON -- Pete Buttigieg, who rose from being an Indiana mayor to a barrier-breaking, top-tier candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, ended his campaign on Sunday.
"The truth is the path has narrowed to a close for our candidacy if not for our cause," Buttigieg told supporters in South Bend, Indiana. "We must recognize that, at this point in the race, the best way to keep faith with those goals and ideals is to step aside and help bring our party and country together."
The decision came just a day after one of Buttigieg's leading rivals, former Vice President Joe Biden, scored a resounding victory in South Carolina that sparked new pressure on the party's moderate wing to coalesce behind Biden.
Buttigieg had been critical of Biden, charging that the 77-year-old lifelong politician was out of step with today's politics. But his criticism had shifted in recent days more toward front-runner Bernie Sanders, a polarizing progressive who was benefiting from the sheer number of candidates dividing up the moderate vote.
Buttigieg and former Vice President Joe Biden traded voicemails on Sunday but did not speak, according to a source with knowledge of the attempted conversations. Buttigieg made the first call to tell Biden of his decision, then Biden returned the call. The pair missed each other because of travel logistics.
Buttigieg, the first openly gay candidate to seriously contend for the presidency, tried to make the case that his party thrived when it embraced candidates who offered generational change. But the 38-year-old Afghanistan war veteran ended up being more successful at winning older voters while Sanders, 78, captured the energy of younger ones.
"The Pete Buttigieg story isn't over. It's just beginning," said Democratic strategist David Axelrod. "He's 38 years old. He's vaulted himself into the national conversation. He obviously has work to do on some ... weaknesses we've seen in this election, but whenever there is a conversation again about Democratic candidates, he'll be in that conversation. And that's a remarkable achievement, given where he started a year ago."
Voters saw Buttigieg in the more moderate lane of the Democratic field, and he flourished early with a top finish in the Iowa caucuses and a close second place finish in New Hampshire. But as the race moved to more diverse states, less dependent on college-educated voters, Buttigieg struggled.
Despite robust organizations in Iowa and New Hampshire and supporters who included an influx of former independents and Republicans, Buttigieg failed to overcome daunting questions about his ability to draw African American support key to the Democratic base.
He earned just 3% of the nonwhite vote in South Carolina's Saturday primary, according to AP VoteCast, a wide-ranging survey of the electorate.
As mayor of a city that is 25% black, Buttigieg faced criticism for firing the first African American police chief in the history of South Bend and for his handling of the case of a white police officer who fatally shot an armed black man in June.
A Black Lives Matter group from South Bend released a statement saying it was "excited" that Buttigieg left the race. "We hope that he learned his lesson -- that neoliberalism and anti-Black policies will no longer be tolerated," the group wrote.
After his unexpected rise to contention in Iowa and New Hampshire last fall, Buttigieg became the target of Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren for the high-dollar fundraisers he was hosting, notably one in a wine cave in California.
Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar also went at Buttigieg in the months before the caucuses for lacking national experience. She noted that he had lost his only statewide race as a candidate for Indiana treasurer in 2010, while she had won three statewide terms in Minnesota in part by carrying Republican-heavy regions.
Buttigieg presented a starkly different figure on the debate stage than the other leading candidates -- all septuagenarians -- and drew admirers for his calm, reasoned demeanor and rhetorical skills that reflected his Harvard-trained, Rhodes scholar background but that some voters and operatives described as "robotic."
Buttigieg had modeled his campaign somewhat on that of former President Barack Obama, who won the 2008 Iowa caucuses largely based on a message of unity and by drawing in a healthy bloc of first-time caucus participants, often the key in a crowded, high-turnout contest.
Jim Ward, a volunteer on the campaign in South Bend, said he and others were at the local campaign office training at around 6 p.m. when they learned of Buttigieg's decision.
"They got word and left rather quickly," he said in a text with the AP, noting that he had mixed emotions.
"I am so proud the campaign and proud of Pete for making this decision when he's making it and not prolonging the campaign any longer than necessary," Ward said. "I am just so, so sad that it didn't work out this time."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-01--#apintforkim • Blood drive gives what money can't buy: Time

Kim Sandford has changed her family 's perspective on blood and on love .
As a patient who battled cancer in her ovary , appendix , thyroid and bones , she 's received dozens of transfusions and relied on blood from unknown donors to keep her alive .
As a wife and mother raising two boys , she 's taken the time that blood has given her and filled it with moments .
She 's walked her sons to school , posed with the Stanley Cup trophy , hosted sleepovers complete with swimming , basketball and Nerf-gun battles , taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ listened to the struggles of friends , lived her life as a `` love revolution '' and provided the simple comfort that comes from baking cookies .
But now time for Sandford , 49 , is coming to a close .
The Naperville woman is in hospice care after doctors told her there was nothing else they could do .
As she lives her final days , Sandford is again changing perspectives on blood and love -- this time in a broader way .
With the help of her sisters , Kristyn Jo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become the namesake of a blood drive with a goal of reaching 100,000 pints by the end of the year .
The drive , # apintforkim , is not a fundraiser , and it 's not about Sandford , she and her family say .
It 's about saving lives of cancer patients , many of whom need donated blood while undergoing chemotherapy .
It 's about showing love instead of hiding it away .
And it 's about paying it forward .
`` People comment to me that they are amazed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give back during a time like this , '' Sandford said in a written message shared by her sisters .
`` But I feel grateful that I can take what I have been through and use it as a force to create good . ''
JD , Kim , Ricky and Rob Sandford visit the Bahamas every year with family .
The traditional vacation spot is where Kim and Rob met before getting married in 1996 .
Blood gives time Already in Sandford 's network of friends and family , roughly 50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in her name .
But # apintforkim is set to take off Sunday , March 8 , when her supporters will host a blood drive through Versiti from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Iron Gate Motor Condos , 2228 W. Ferry Road , Naperville .
A link to sign up is available at www.facebook.com/apintforkim .
Sandford 's relatives are encouraging everyone to give blood at this drive -- or whenever they are able -- as a way to provide red blood cells , platelets and plasma , lifesaving liquids cancer patients and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who donate outside of the official drive can use the hashtag # apintforkim on Facebook or Instagram `` so we can see and thank you ! ''
her relatives wrote on Facebook .
The idea that one donation of blood can save three lives is often stated , but the reality of what those lives mean to those who love them rarely sinks in , Sandford 's supporters say .
`` These blood donations , they give cancer patients a gift that no amount of money or fundraising can buy -- time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the people they love . ''
Sandford 's time undergoing cancer treatments began in 2012 , and it came after a life already filled with accomplishments and connections .
She was the first person in her family to go to college , and she graduated from the University of Iowa in 1992 .
She became an accountant for her family 's office furniture business , a talented designer whose home designs were featured in print and TV ads , a friend known for her wit and selflessness , a wife to husband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 13 , and JD , 11 .
She was diagnosed with a Krukenberg tumor on her ovary and with appendix cancer , which Benedyk describes on a CaringBridge profile set up to tell Sandford 's story as a `` one-in-a-million combination of two different types of cancers . ''
Ricky was about to start kindergarten at the time , and she decided to undergo surgery .
She had a procedure in July 2012 called hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy , or HIPEC , which involves surgically removing tumors and bathing the abdominal cavity with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancer cells .
In what her sisters call a typical show of Sandford 's strength and determination , she was home from the hospital weeks later -- in time to walk Ricky to his first day of kindergarten .
`` She has taught all of us what it means to fight for what matters to you , '' Fuglsang said .
`` And to choose faith and hope rather than defeat . ''
Problem is , the cancer came back .
And then it came back again .
In November 2017 , Sandford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in May 2018 , she was told her original appendix cancer had spread to her bones in a rare situation that would call for new treatments .
By this January , though , doctors had tried everything and the cancer was n't cured .
Sandford , who has received much of her treatment at Edward Hospital in Naperville , was in the hospital the entire month of January .
During that month alone , she received more than 40 blood and platelet transfusions .
One day during that stay , she remembers waking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment of clarity .
`` I started crying .
I was so humbled and overcome with joy that there were people out there who were giving and selfless enough to donate the blood that went to saving my life , '' Sandford said in her written message .
`` It made me realize what a really big deal it is to give blood .
It does n't take time or money , but it does take a caring personality and the desire to be selfless . ''
As Kim Sandford , left , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , her sisters Kristyn Jo Benedyk and Kathleen Fuglsang are working to collect 100,000 pints of donated blood in her honor by the end of the year through # apintforkim .
# apintforkim Soon , the realization about the value of blood donation morphed into a campaign Benedyk called # apintforkim , despite Sandford 's own reservations about the effort bearing her name .
Her husband of 23 years reassured her , saying the name allows his wife 's personality , her love for others and her story to inspire people .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the position where you or someone you know needs blood that you really start to think about this , '' he said .
`` The simple act of donating blood can truly be the thing that saves someone 's life . ''
The move to keep Sandford 's persona in the movement 's name is working .
Versiti has added staff and expanded the number of donor slots available for the # apintforkim drive , as 205 people had signed up to donate as of Thursday .
`` It makes me believe that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a reason , '' Sandford said , `` and that reason is to inspire people to change the way they think about their lives , to approach each day with empathy and kindness and to pay attention to their own health . ''
Sandford 's family sees a future for # apintforkim as an annual gathering , a way to lift up her boys and fill them with their mother 's spirit , grace and compassion .
`` I want this event to be a celebration of what is possible when you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` the way that their mom has . ''

#apintforkim • Blood drive gives what money can't buy: Time
Kim Sandford gets to see the Stanley Cup trophy with her husband, Rob, and their sons JD and Ricky at Edward Hospital in Naperville. Kim has been treated for cancer at Edward several times since 2012, but is in her final days after battling the disease. Courtesy of Sandford Family
Kim Sandford has changed her family's perspective on blood and on love.
As a patient who battled cancer in her ovary, appendix, thyroid and bones, she's received dozens of transfusions and relied on blood from unknown donors to keep her alive.
As a wife and mother raising two boys, she's taken the time that blood has given her and filled it with moments.
She's walked her sons to school, posed with the Stanley Cup trophy, hosted sleepovers complete with swimming, basketball and Nerf-gun battles, taken yearly family trips to the Bahamas, listened to the struggles of friends, lived her life as a "love revolution" and provided the simple comfort that comes from baking cookies.
But now time for Sandford, 49, is coming to a close. The Naperville woman is in hospice care after doctors told her there was nothing else they could do.
As she lives her final days, Sandford is again changing perspectives on blood and love -- this time in a broader way.
With the help of her sisters, Kristyn Jo Benedyk and Kathleen Fuglsang, Sandford has become the namesake of a blood drive with a goal of reaching 100,000 pints by the end of the year.
The drive, #apintforkim, is not a fundraiser, and it's not about Sandford, she and her family say.
It's about saving lives of cancer patients, many of whom need donated blood while undergoing chemotherapy. It's about showing love instead of hiding it away. And it's about paying it forward.
"People comment to me that they are amazed that I am thinking about others and how to give back during a time like this," Sandford said in a written message shared by her sisters. "But I feel grateful that I can take what I have been through and use it as a force to create good."
JD, Kim, Ricky and Rob Sandford visit the Bahamas every year with family. The traditional vacation spot is where Kim and Rob met before getting married in 1996. - Courtesy of Sandford Family
Already in Sandford's network of friends and family, roughly 50 people across the country have donated blood in her name.
But #apintforkim is set to take off Sunday, March 8, when her supporters will host a blood drive through Versiti from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Iron Gate Motor Condos, 2228 W. Ferry Road, Naperville. A link to sign up is available at www.facebook.com/apintforkim.
Sandford's relatives are encouraging everyone to give blood at this drive -- or whenever they are able -- as a way to provide red blood cells, platelets and plasma, lifesaving liquids cancer patients and others need while receiving treatment.
Those who donate outside of the official drive can use the hashtag #apintforkim on Facebook or Instagram "so we can see and thank you!" her relatives wrote on Facebook.
The idea that one donation of blood can save three lives is often stated, but the reality of what those lives mean to those who love them rarely sinks in, Sandford's supporters say.
"These blood donations, they give cancer patients a gift that no amount of money or fundraising can buy -- time," Benedyk said. "More time with the people they love."
'Faith and hope'
Sandford's time undergoing cancer treatments began in 2012, and it came after a life already filled with accomplishments and connections.
She was the first person in her family to go to college, and she graduated from the University of Iowa in 1992. She became an accountant for her family's office furniture business, a talented designer whose home designs were featured in print and TV ads, a friend known for her wit and selflessness, a wife to husband Rob Sandford and a mom to Ricky, 13, and JD, 11.
She was diagnosed with a Krukenberg tumor on her ovary and with appendix cancer, which Benedyk describes on a CaringBridge profile set up to tell Sandford's story as a "one-in-a-million combination of two different types of cancers."
Ricky was about to start kindergarten at the time, and she decided to undergo surgery.
She had a procedure in July 2012 called hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, or HIPEC, which involves surgically removing tumors and bathing the abdominal cavity with a heated chemotherapy solution to attack remaining cancer cells.
In what her sisters call a typical show of Sandford's strength and determination, she was home from the hospital weeks later -- in time to walk Ricky to his first day of kindergarten.
"She has taught all of us what it means to fight for what matters to you," Fuglsang said. "And to choose faith and hope rather than defeat."
Problem is, the cancer came back. And then it came back again.
In November 2017, Sandford had surgery for thyroid cancer. And in May 2018, she was told her original appendix cancer had spread to her bones in a rare situation that would call for new treatments. By this January, though, doctors had tried everything and the cancer wasn't cured.
Sandford, who has received much of her treatment at Edward Hospital in Naperville, was in the hospital the entire month of January. During that month alone, she received more than 40 blood and platelet transfusions.
One day during that stay, she remembers waking up after a procedure and experiencing a moment of clarity.
"I started crying. I was so humbled and overcome with joy that there were people out there who were giving and selfless enough to donate the blood that went to saving my life," Sandford said in her written message. "It made me realize what a really big deal it is to give blood. It doesn't take time or money, but it does take a caring personality and the desire to be selfless."
As Kim Sandford, left, lives her final days after battling cancer, her sisters Kristyn Jo Benedyk and Kathleen Fuglsang are working to collect 100,000 pints of donated blood in her honor by the end of the year through #apintforkim. - Courtesy of Sandford Family
Soon, the realization about the value of blood donation morphed into a campaign Benedyk called #apintforkim, despite Sandford's own reservations about the effort bearing her name.
Her husband of 23 years reassured her, saying the name allows his wife's personality, her love for others and her story to inspire people.
"It isn't until you are in the position where you or someone you know needs blood that you really start to think about this," he said. "The simple act of donating blood can truly be the thing that saves someone's life."
The move to keep Sandford's persona in the movement's name is working.
Versiti has added staff and expanded the number of donor slots available for the #apintforkim drive, as 205 people had signed up to donate as of Thursday.
"It makes me believe that what I have been through has happened for a reason," Sandford said, "and that reason is to inspire people to change the way they think about their lives, to approach each day with empathy and kindness and to pay attention to their own health."
Sandford's family sees a future for #apintforkim as an annual gathering, a way to lift up her boys and fill them with their mother's spirit, grace and compassion.
"I want this event to be a celebration of what is possible when you choose selflessness," Benedyk said, "the way that their mom has."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-01--No more homecoming queen? Schools advised to consider nonconforming gender identities

Should time-honored school traditions dubbing students as kings and queens for homecomings and proms be changed in favor of more gender spectrum-inclusive titles ?
That 's among the recommendations of a new state report on inclusivity for students with nonconforming gender identities , which has sparked a conversation among suburban school leaders .
The report suggests Illinois ' public schools drop reliance on traditional male-female gender descriptions and train teachers to use more inclusive language when addressing groups of students .
`` The training should include how to ensure things such as inspirational speeches , motivational phrases , locker-room talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are inclusive and gender-neutral .
Examples of phrases that should be eliminated include 'man up ' or 'do n't be a sissy , ' '' the report recommends .
The Illinois State Board of Education this month will issue guidance to schools for creating policies based on the task force 's recommendations , spokeswoman Jackie Matthews said .
`` It 's important to recognize that our society as a whole , not just schools , are in a period of transition , '' said Mark Kovack , associate superintendent for student services for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 211 is well-versed on gender identity debates after recently resolving a nearly 4½-year legal battle on the issue of transgender students ' access to locker rooms .
Last November , the school board voted to no longer require transgender students to use privacy stalls made available for all students in locker rooms .
`` As a school district , we have been responding to students ' unique needs forever , long before gender became a focal point , '' Kovack said .
District 211 schools have homecoming and prom kings and queens , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years before the task force released its report , he said .
`` Culture is something that develops over time and it does n't transform overnight , '' Kovack said .
`` Usually , it takes a little bit of time to see a movement .
We are engaged in that and trying to determine the best ways to go about bringing about positive change . ''
Some schools nationwide have opted to recognize a group of students as `` homecoming royalty court '' instead of singling out individuals .
`` Such conversations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past several years with increased visibility of trans identities , said Nat Duran , youth engagement manager for Illinois Safe Schools Alliance , which provides training to schools and supports youth in partnership with the GSA ( Gender and Sexuality Alliances ) Network .
Officials at Elgin Area School District U-46 soon will review the task force 's recommendations and district policies .
The state 's second-largest school district weathered controversy a few years ago when administrators decided to allow a transgender middle school student access to the locker room and restroom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We , as a district , kind of take things case by case , '' said school board member Veronica Noland , who served on the state task force .
Beyond titles , the task force report addresses school districts ' policies toward providing equal educational opportunities for students of varying gender identities and expression and preventing discrimination , harassment and bullying , as prohibited by state and federal laws .
Some educators and schools may be less in step philosophically with the state recommendations , but Duran believes it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change .
`` Learning new things is just as much about unlearning old things , '' Duran said , `` and that can be a very vulnerable process . ''

No more homecoming queen? Schools advised to consider nonconforming gender identities
Suburban schools might have to consider changing homecoming and prom traditions to be more inclusive of students with nonconforming gender identities, a new state report recommends. Daily Herald File Photo, 2012
Should time-honored school traditions dubbing students as kings and queens for homecomings and proms be changed in favor of more gender spectrum-inclusive titles?
That's among the recommendations of a new state report on inclusivity for students with nonconforming gender identities, which has sparked a conversation among suburban school leaders.
The report suggests Illinois' public schools drop reliance on traditional male-female gender descriptions and train teachers to use more inclusive language when addressing groups of students.
"The training should include how to ensure things such as inspirational speeches, motivational phrases, locker-room talk, pep rallies, and team chants are inclusive and gender-neutral. Examples of phrases that should be eliminated include 'man up' or 'don't be a sissy,'" the report recommends.
The Illinois State Board of Education this month will issue guidance to schools for creating policies based on the task force's recommendations, spokeswoman Jackie Matthews said.
"It's important to recognize that our society as a whole, not just schools, are in a period of transition," said Mark Kovack, associate superintendent for student services for Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211.
District 211 is well-versed on gender identity debates after recently resolving a nearly 4½-year legal battle on the issue of transgender students' access to locker rooms. Last November, the school board voted to no longer require transgender students to use privacy stalls made available for all students in locker rooms.
"As a school district, we have been responding to students' unique needs forever, long before gender became a focal point," Kovack said.
District 211 schools have homecoming and prom kings and queens, which has been a controversial topic for years before the task force released its report, he said.
"Culture is something that develops over time and it doesn't transform overnight," Kovack said. "Usually, it takes a little bit of time to see a movement. We are engaged in that and trying to determine the best ways to go about bringing about positive change."
Some schools nationwide have opted to recognize a group of students as "homecoming royalty court" instead of singling out individuals.
"Such conversations have been unfolding at public schools over the past several years with increased visibility of trans identities, said Nat Duran, youth engagement manager for Illinois Safe Schools Alliance, which provides training to schools and supports youth in partnership with the GSA (Gender and Sexuality Alliances) Network.
Officials at Elgin Area School District U-46 soon will review the task force's recommendations and district policies.
The state's second-largest school district weathered controversy a few years ago when administrators decided to allow a transgender middle school student access to the locker room and restroom corresponding with that student's gender identity.
"We, as a district, kind of take things case by case," said school board member Veronica Noland, who served on the state task force.
Beyond titles, the task force report addresses school districts' policies toward providing equal educational opportunities for students of varying gender identities and expression and preventing discrimination, harassment and bullying, as prohibited by state and federal laws.
Some educators and schools may be less in step philosophically with the state recommendations, but Duran believes it's only a matter of time before practices change.
"Learning new things is just as much about unlearning old things," Duran said, "and that can be a very vulnerable process."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-01--Possible coronavirus exposure: Family will stay home from Arlington Heights schools

Two Arlington Heights Elementary School District 25 employees and their children are staying home from school after having contact with a person whose family member was exposed to the coronavirus , the district 's superintendent wrote in a letter to parents and staff late Sunday .
According to the letter from Superintendent Lori D. Bein , the staff members and children learned that their babysitter 's relative , a hospital employee .
was exposed to a patient diagnosed with the illness .
The employees and students work at or attend Dryden , Ivy Hill , Greenbrier and Olive-Mary Stitt elementary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ None of these people have any symptoms currently , '' Bein writes .
`` Our employees/students will stay home and self-monitor their symptoms , and they have been in contact with their physicians . ''
Bein writes that she has been working directly with the Cook County Department of Public Health and the Village of Arlington Heights .
The health department said there is nothing additional that District 25 should do at this time , Bein writes .
`` Again , I am sharing this information with you to be proactive , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff and families as new information becomes available . ''

Possible coronavirus exposure: Family will stay home from Arlington Heights schools
Arlington Heights Elementary District 25 is keeping some staff members and students home from school after learning a person they had contact with has a relative who was exposed to the coronavirus.
Two Arlington Heights Elementary School District 25 employees and their children are staying home from school after having contact with a person whose family member was exposed to the coronavirus, the district's superintendent wrote in a letter to parents and staff late Sunday.
According to the letter from Superintendent Lori D. Bein, the staff members and children learned that their babysitter's relative, a hospital employee. was exposed to a patient diagnosed with the illness.
The employees and students work at or attend Dryden, Ivy Hill, Greenbrier and Olive-Mary Stitt elementary schools, the letter states.
"None of these people have any symptoms currently," Bein writes. "Our employees/students will stay home and self-monitor their symptoms, and they have been in contact with their physicians."
Bein writes that she has been working directly with the Cook County Department of Public Health and the Village of Arlington Heights. The health department said there is nothing additional that District 25 should do at this time, Bein writes.
"Again, I am sharing this information with you to be proactive," she added. "I will update staff and families as new information becomes available."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-01--Inmate fights down at Kane County jail, internal report shows

Since taking office in December 2018 , Sheriff Ron Hain has sought to shift the Kane County jail culture from punitive to rehabilitative by offering detainees job training and work programs , and initial support for addiction recovery and mental health issues .
Hain even spent a few nights in the jail to get a firsthand experience of the cellblock conditions and cafeteria food .
Now , he says he has the numbers to show the benefits that they changes have created .
His office 's annual report provides an overview on designating two jail pods for inmates with addictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drop in inmate fights and fatal overdoses after being released from custody .
`` The most important thing that we did was truly begin to address and attempt to cure addiction issues among the incarcerated , '' Hain said , noting that counseling and programming is aimed at changing behavior .
`` When they get out , that can have an immediate impact on jail safety and it 's going to have an increase in public safety when they return to their communities . ''
According to the report , fights between inmates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 51 in 2019 ; in 2017 , there were 69 inmate fights .
Inmate attacks on guards fell from 18 in 2017 and 12 in 2018 to three in 2019 , a dip of 83 % , according to the report .
Hain acknowledged the actual 2019 number was eight -- Fabian Torres , currently held without bail in a Sleepy Hollow 2019 home invasion , attempted murder and rape case , was charged with felonies in five of those attacks on guards .
Clint Hull , a former Kane County prosecutor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kane County , praised the efforts to focus on rehabilitation .
`` I applaud Sheriff Hain for his approach and innovations on finding ways to allow inmates to use their time in jail to improve themselves through programs to address the behaviors that resulted in their incarceration , such as alcohol , drugs , mental health , decision-making , and to learn job skills to help them gain employment upon release , '' Hull said .
`` Those same programs have resulted in a sharp decrease in inmate-on-staff violence and inmate-on-inmate violence .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a safer place for staff , which is something that is always a priority for everyone . ''
The number of inmates who were released from jail and later died of drug overdoses also has fallen sharply -- from 11 in 2017 and 15 in 2018 to just two in 2019 , according to the report .
Hain said those two people were at the jail only a short time .

Since taking office in December 2018, Sheriff Ron Hain has sought to shift the Kane County jail culture from punitive to rehabilitative by offering detainees job training and work programs, and initial support for addiction recovery and mental health issues.
Hain even spent a few nights in the jail to get a firsthand experience of the cellblock conditions and cafeteria food.
Now, he says he has the numbers to show the benefits that they changes have created.
His office's annual report provides an overview on designating two jail pods for inmates with addictions and mental health needs, and a drop in inmate fights and fatal overdoses after being released from custody.
"The most important thing that we did was truly begin to address and attempt to cure addiction issues among the incarcerated," Hain said, noting that counseling and programming is aimed at changing behavior. "When they get out, that can have an immediate impact on jail safety and it's going to have an increase in public safety when they return to their communities."
According to the report, fights between inmates declined 36% from 80 in 2018 to 51 in 2019; in 2017, there were 69 inmate fights. Inmate attacks on guards fell from 18 in 2017 and 12 in 2018 to three in 2019, a dip of 83%, according to the report.
Hain acknowledged the actual 2019 number was eight -- Fabian Torres, currently held without bail in a Sleepy Hollow 2019 home invasion, attempted murder and rape case, was charged with felonies in five of those attacks on guards.
Clint Hull, a former Kane County prosecutor who now serves a chief judge in Kane County, praised the efforts to focus on rehabilitation.
"I applaud Sheriff Hain for his approach and innovations on finding ways to allow inmates to use their time in jail to improve themselves through programs to address the behaviors that resulted in their incarceration, such as alcohol, drugs, mental health, decision-making, and to learn job skills to help them gain employment upon release," Hull said. "Those same programs have resulted in a sharp decrease in inmate-on-staff violence and inmate-on-inmate violence. As a result, the jail is a safer place for staff, which is something that is always a priority for everyone."
The number of inmates who were released from jail and later died of drug overdoses also has fallen sharply -- from 11 in 2017 and 15 in 2018 to just two in 2019, according to the report. Hain said those two people were at the jail only a short time.