dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-14--With coronavirus, how safe will voting be this Election Day?

Potentially late changes to polling locations , new hygiene protocols and even the amount some election judges are being paid are among the ways Tuesday 's primary will be different from many voters ' memories of casting a ballot due to the COVID-19 outbreak .
Despite the efforts being made to make polling places safe , county clerks ' officials say it 's still up to people to consider their own circumstances while weighing the decision whether to vote .
`` Our office would n't provide different messaging to different populations , '' said John Mirkovic , Cook County deputy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our message for an 85-year-old is the same as for an 18-year-old : The polls are open and if you want to vote , you can . ''
But he added that people should be as mindful of public health agencies ' guidance on Tuesday as every other day .
`` Accordingly , please do n't mistake a general 'Vote today ' appeal as 'Everyone should vote regardless of health or safety , ' '' Mirkovic said .
`` That is all we can say beyond the additional message that we are doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanitation at the polling place .
It is our duty to provide the opportunity for all to vote , but it is the public 's duty to do what they feel is necessary to protect themselves and their families . ''
Suburban voters are being encouraged to visit the relevant links on county clerk websites to confirm the location of their polling place , since there have been several last-minute changes .
The cleanliness being planned for polling places will be more stringent and the advice to voters themselves possibly more specific this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for instance , has recommended that voters bring their own black or blue pens to sign and mark their ballots .
While pens will be provided , using one 's own will limit physical contact at the polling place to just the paper ballot itself and provide a greater sense of comfort to anxious voters .
As they have during early voting , Lake County election workers will be using sanitizing wipes to routinely clean frequently touched voting equipment and materials at Election Day polling sites to reduce risk of exposure to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's office reports that supplies of hand sanitizer provided to polling places have been increased and that it remains in close contact with state and local agencies regarding recommended cleaning procedures and assistance in obtaining needed supplies .
Among the reasons for many of the polling place changes throughout the suburbs is guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health to protecting vulnerable members of the population .
DuPage County is among those that will not use any long-term care or senior living facilities as polling places on Election Day .
Fourteen polling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for that specific reason to the DuPage County Fairgrounds at 2015 Manchester Road in Wheaton .
McHenry County , too , is relocating polling places from four senior care facilities in Algonquin , Crystal Lake , McHenry and Woodstock to other sites in those communities for the same reason .
A shortage of Election Day judges prompted some county clerk 's offices to raise their pay and resort to last-minute appeals , hoping to attract displaced college students as well as others in need of some extra money .
The Cook County clerk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waiving training requirements for anyone willing to help .
They can contact the clerk 's office by emailing to elect.judge @ cookcountyil.gov .
DuPage County has increased its pay from $ 130 to $ 200 and is asking those able to work to apply at dupageco.org/Election/JudgeApplication/ .
The most up-to-date information on polling locations and their changes can be found on the county clerk websites at cookcountyclerk.com , dupageco.org/election , kanecountyclerk.org/Elections/Pages/Vote.aspx , lakecountyil.gov/4085/Where-Do-I-Vote and mchenrycountyil.gov/county-government/departments-a-i/county-clerk .

With coronavirus, how safe will voting be this Election Day?
Potentially late changes to polling locations, new hygiene protocols and even the amount some election judges are being paid are among the ways Tuesday's primary will be different from many voters' memories of casting a ballot due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Despite the efforts being made to make polling places safe, county clerks' officials say it's still up to people to consider their own circumstances while weighing the decision whether to vote.
"Our office wouldn't provide different messaging to different populations," said John Mirkovic, Cook County deputy clerk for policy and communications. "Our message for an 85-year-old is the same as for an 18-year-old: The polls are open and if you want to vote, you can."
But he added that people should be as mindful of public health agencies' guidance on Tuesday as every other day.
"Accordingly, please don't mistake a general 'Vote today' appeal as 'Everyone should vote regardless of health or safety,'" Mirkovic said. "That is all we can say beyond the additional message that we are doing all we can to increase cleaning and sanitation at the polling place. It is our duty to provide the opportunity for all to vote, but it is the public's duty to do what they feel is necessary to protect themselves and their families."
Suburban voters are being encouraged to visit the relevant links on county clerk websites to confirm the location of their polling place, since there have been several last-minute changes.
The cleanliness being planned for polling places will be more stringent and the advice to voters themselves possibly more specific this year.
Lake County Clerk Robin O'Conner, for instance, has recommended that voters bring their own black or blue pens to sign and mark their ballots.
While pens will be provided, using one's own will limit physical contact at the polling place to just the paper ballot itself and provide a greater sense of comfort to anxious voters.
As they have during early voting, Lake County election workers will be using sanitizing wipes to routinely clean frequently touched voting equipment and materials at Election Day polling sites to reduce risk of exposure to the coronavirus.
The DuPage County clerk's office reports that supplies of hand sanitizer provided to polling places have been increased and that it remains in close contact with state and local agencies regarding recommended cleaning procedures and assistance in obtaining needed supplies.
Among the reasons for many of the polling place changes throughout the suburbs is guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health to protecting vulnerable members of the population.
DuPage County is among those that will not use any long-term care or senior living facilities as polling places on Election Day. Seventeen polling places in the county have been relocated for that specific reason to the DuPage County Fairgrounds at 2015 Manchester Road in Wheaton.
McHenry County, too, is relocating polling places from four senior care facilities in Algonquin, Crystal Lake, McHenry and Woodstock to other sites in those communities for the same reason.
A shortage of Election Day judges prompted some county clerk's offices to raise their pay and resort to last-minute appeals, hoping to attract displaced college students as well as others in need of some extra money.
The Cook County clerk's office is offering $150 and waiving training requirements for anyone willing to help. They can contact the clerk's office by emailing to elect.judge@cookcountyil.gov.
DuPage County has increased its pay from $130 to $200 and is asking those able to work to apply at dupageco.org/Election/JudgeApplication/.
The most up-to-date information on polling locations and their changes can be found on the county clerk websites at cookcountyclerk.com, dupageco.org/election, kanecountyclerk.org/Elections/Pages/Vote.aspx, lakecountyil.gov/4085/Where-Do-I-Vote and mchenrycountyil.gov/county-government/departments-a-i/county-clerk.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-14--Suspect held after teen shot in Elgin

Suspect held after teen shot in Elgin

A Chicago man was charged in an aggravated battery among other charges after woman was shot during an attempted robbery in Elgin Friday night , police said .
Authorities responded to Advocate Sherman Hospital at 5:26 p.m. to an 18-year-old woman who was being treated for a nonlife-threatening gunshot wound , according to a news release from the Elgin Police Department .
The preliminary investigation showed Keyshaune Steele , 20 , of the 4000 block of West Jackson Boulevard in Chicago approached the woman and an 18-year-old man -- both from Streamwood -- while they were sitting in a parked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street in Elgin , authorities said .
Steele approached the car and attempted to take their personal belongings while armed with a handgun , police said .
The woman was shot during the exchange , the release said .
A second shot was fired but did n't wound the male victim .
However , he was injuries during an altercation with Steele , the release said .
Police found Steele in the 0-100 block of Austin Avenue in Carpentersville and took him into custody .
He was charged with aggravated battery with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , vehicular invasion , attempted armed robbery , aggravated battery and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon , according to the release .
He appeared in bond court Saturday and placed on a $ 500,000 bail , according to the release .

Suspect held after teen shot in Elgin
A Chicago man was charged in an aggravated battery among other charges after woman was shot during an attempted robbery in Elgin Friday night, police said.
Authorities responded to Advocate Sherman Hospital at 5:26 p.m. to an 18-year-old woman who was being treated for a nonlife-threatening gunshot wound, according to a news release from the Elgin Police Department.
The preliminary investigation showed Keyshaune Steele, 20, of the 4000 block of West Jackson Boulevard in Chicago approached the woman and an 18-year-old man -- both from Streamwood -- while they were sitting in a parked car in the 200 block of College Street in Elgin, authorities said.
Steele approached the car and attempted to take their personal belongings while armed with a handgun, police said. The woman was shot during the exchange, the release said.
A second shot was fired but didn't wound the male victim. However, he was injuries during an altercation with Steele, the release said.
Police found Steele in the 0-100 block of Austin Avenue in Carpentersville and took him into custody. He was charged with aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm, vehicular invasion, attempted armed robbery, aggravated battery and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, according to the release.
He appeared in bond court Saturday and placed on a $500,000 bail, according to the release.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-14--White House to do health check of those in contact with Trump

The White House said Saturday it planned to perform temperature checks on any individuals in close contact with President Donald Trump or Vice President Mike Pence .
The announcement , made `` out of an abundance of caution , '' came as Pence prepared to hold a press conference after a meeting of the White House coronavirus task force .
Elevated temperatures can be one symptom of the Covid-19 virus .
Trump has been in contact recently with at least two individuals known to have later tested positive for the virus .
Trump convened Saturday 's meeting hours after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan to deal with the spreading coronavirus , part of what Speaker Nancy Pelosi , lead negotiator of the package , said will be a continuing effort to help the American people .
The House measure , which was backed by Trump , next goes to the Senate for consideration .
Trump said on Twitter that he was `` working with States and local governments , '' although it was unclear which if any of those individuals were involved in Saturday 's events .
In a followup tweet , the president urged U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus .
Pelosi said Friday night that the House will begin work on another emergency response package `` to protect the health , economic security and well-being of the American people '' in response to the pandemic .

White House to do health check of those in contact with Trump
President Donald Trump speaks Friday during a news conference about the coronavirus in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington. Associated Press
The White House said Saturday it planned to perform temperature checks on any individuals in close contact with President Donald Trump or Vice President Mike Pence.
The announcement, made "out of an abundance of caution," came as Pence prepared to hold a press conference after a meeting of the White House coronavirus task force.
Elevated temperatures can be one symptom of the Covid-19 virus. Trump has been in contact recently with at least two individuals known to have later tested positive for the virus.
Trump convened Saturday's meeting hours after the House late Friday passed an economic relief plan to deal with the spreading coronavirus, part of what Speaker Nancy Pelosi, lead negotiator of the package, said will be a continuing effort to help the American people.
The House measure, which was backed by Trump, next goes to the Senate for consideration.
Trump said on Twitter that he was "working with States and local governments," although it was unclear which if any of those individuals were involved in Saturday's events.
In a followup tweet, the president urged U.S. residents to practice "social distancing" to help slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
Pelosi said Friday night that the House will begin work on another emergency response package "to protect the health, economic security and well-being of the American people" in response to the pandemic.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-14--State now has 66 coronavirus cases after public health officials announce 2 positive cases downstate

A woman in her 60s living in a long-term care facility in DuPage County is one of seven new cases of COVID-19 in the suburbs .
It 's among 18 new confirmed cases in Illinois ' overall , health officials said Saturday .
Later , officials announced two positive coronavirus cases in downstate Sangamon County , bringing the state 's total 66 .
That DuPage location was `` locked down to outside visitors , '' Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said in an afternoon press briefing , and state and local officials are identifying others there who might be at risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we 've seen of this virus so far , older adults do tend to suffer more severe illness , and that 's why our focus will be on these populations , '' said Dr. Ngozi Ezike , director of the Illinois ' Department of Public Health .
`` Younger adults and children may have only mild illness , but if they attend larger events or come in contact with vulnerable populations , ... that could cause spread of the virus .
It will take all of us working together to help reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The first novel coronavirus cases in central and southern Illinois also were confirmed Saturday , indicating the outbreak now spans eight counties .
Pritzker 's message at the news briefing was clear : Stay home .
`` Once again , no matter how healthy you feel , if you can , stay home .
If you are able to telework , do so .
If you do n't have to travel , do n't , '' he said .
`` This is n't forever .
This is a sacrifice in the short term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to control the spread of this virus and prevent our medical infrastructure from dealing with too many cases at once is an action that saves lives . ''
In addition to new cases in the metropolitan area -- seven in Chicago , four in suburban Cook County , one in DuPage County , one in Kane County and one in Lake County -- the Illinois Department of Public Health announced 4 cases in other geographic regions in addition to the two new cases in Sangamon County .
Two women , one in her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were diagnosed in St. Clair County in the metro-east area .
One man in his 70s tested positive in Cumberland County in southeast Illinois , as did one man in his 70s in Woodford County in central Illinois .
Late Saturday , the Rosemont Health and Fitness Club announced it had learned that a 73-year-old man who had used the club has been diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus .
The member had been in Egypt on a river cruise before returning the fitness club .
The club was shut down and will remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hiatus , the village 's health department will oversee a deep cleaning of the entire facility .
It was unclear if this case is among those that have been confirmed in the state report .
There have been no deaths in Illinois related to COVID-19 , she added .
A number of the earliest diagnoses have made a full recovery .
State health officials warned those with heart disease , lung disease , weakened immune systems , cancer patients , elderly people and pregnant women are at the highest risk .
Of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contracted the virus from travel , another third were sickened from being in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 and the remaining cases could be from community spread , Ezike said .
Pritzker 's call for residents to practice social distancing measures comes after he ordered all public and private schools to close for two weeks -- from Tuesday , March 17 , through Tuesday , March 31 .
He also banned any events with more than 1,000 people and urged those hosting events of 250 people or more to cancel them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ additional public health and safety mandates , Pritzker said his administration is `` always looking at all the options , '' but did not have any immediate plans .
`` Counties and cities can make further restrictions if they choose , '' Pritkzer added .
Tuesday is Illinois ' primary election , and state officials encouraged voters to cast their ballot by mail , submit it with the county clerk 's office or in person at an early-voting site .
Polls will be open Tuesday as well .
`` Stay well , stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a time for panic , '' Dr. Allison Arwady , commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health , said .
`` It 's a time for listening to the advice and learning more to make sure you 're sharing good information . ''
State officials strongly encouraged any Illinoisan who thinks they might have COVID-19 to call their health care provider as opposed to going to a medical office or the emergency room .
Licensed Illinois physicians received guidance from the Public Health Department to analyze a patient 's symptoms over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether that person should be screened in person .
Those with mild symptoms most likely do not need a coronavirus test , Ezike said .
Instead , they will typically be asked to isolate themselves at home .
As of Friday , labs overseen by her department processed about 1,600 tests , representing more than 800 patients .
Ezika warned that as commercial laboratories are able to handle tests , `` we could see a dramatic increase of positives over the coming days and weeks . ''
Pritkzer on Saturday also announced his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for permission to expand Medicaid coverage .
If approved , Illinois could add new physicians to the program .
For those with general COVID-19 questions , the Department of Public Health maintains a hotline at 1-800-889-3931 and an email address ( dph.sick @ illinois.gov ) .

State now has 66 coronavirus cases after public health officials announce 2 positive cases downstate
Governor, J.B. Pritzker and Dr. Ngozi Ezike, right, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, provide the daily update on novel coronavirus in Illinois at the Thompson Center on Saturday. Tyler LaRiviere/Chicago Sun-Times
A woman in her 60s living in a long-term care facility in DuPage County is one of seven new cases of COVID-19 in the suburbs.
It's among 18 new confirmed cases in Illinois' overall, health officials said Saturday. Later, officials announced two positive coronavirus cases in downstate Sangamon County, bringing the state's total 66.
That DuPage location was "locked down to outside visitors," Gov. J.B. Pritzker said in an afternoon press briefing, and state and local officials are identifying others there who might be at risk of contracting the virus.
"From what we've seen of this virus so far, older adults do tend to suffer more severe illness, and that's why our focus will be on these populations," said Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the Illinois' Department of Public Health. "Younger adults and children may have only mild illness, but if they attend larger events or come in contact with vulnerable populations, ... that could cause spread of the virus. It will take all of us working together to help reduce the spread of this virus."
The first novel coronavirus cases in central and southern Illinois also were confirmed Saturday, indicating the outbreak now spans eight counties.
Pritzker's message at the news briefing was clear: Stay home.
"Once again, no matter how healthy you feel, if you can, stay home. If you are able to telework, do so. If you don't have to travel, don't," he said. "This isn't forever. This is a sacrifice in the short term. ... Every action that we take to control the spread of this virus and prevent our medical infrastructure from dealing with too many cases at once is an action that saves lives."
In addition to new cases in the metropolitan area -- seven in Chicago, four in suburban Cook County, one in DuPage County, one in Kane County and one in Lake County -- the Illinois Department of Public Health announced 4 cases in other geographic regions in addition to the two new cases in Sangamon County.
Two women, one in her 60s and one in her 70s, were diagnosed in St. Clair County in the metro-east area.
One man in his 70s tested positive in Cumberland County in southeast Illinois, as did one man in his 70s in Woodford County in central Illinois.
Late Saturday, the Rosemont Health and Fitness Club announced it had learned that a 73-year-old man who had used the club has been diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus. The member had been in Egypt on a river cruise before returning the fitness club.
The club was shut down and will remain closed until March 30. During this hiatus, the village's health department will oversee a deep cleaning of the entire facility.
It was unclear if this case is among those that have been confirmed in the state report.
There have been no deaths in Illinois related to COVID-19, she added. A number of the earliest diagnoses have made a full recovery.
State health officials warned those with heart disease, lung disease, weakened immune systems, cancer patients, elderly people and pregnant women are at the highest risk.
Of the 64 cases in Illinois, about one-third contracted the virus from travel, another third were sickened from being in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 and the remaining cases could be from community spread, Ezike said.
Pritzker's call for residents to practice social distancing measures comes after he ordered all public and private schools to close for two weeks -- from Tuesday, March 17, through Tuesday, March 31. He also banned any events with more than 1,000 people and urged those hosting events of 250 people or more to cancel them.
When asked if he would consider additional public health and safety mandates, Pritzker said his administration is "always looking at all the options," but did not have any immediate plans.
"Counties and cities can make further restrictions if they choose," Pritkzer added.
Tuesday is Illinois' primary election, and state officials encouraged voters to cast their ballot by mail, submit it with the county clerk's office or in person at an early-voting site. Polls will be open Tuesday as well.
"Stay well, stay safe, stay calm. It's not a time for panic," Dr. Allison Arwady, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health, said. "It's a time for listening to the advice and learning more to make sure you're sharing good information."
State officials strongly encouraged any Illinoisan who thinks they might have COVID-19 to call their health care provider as opposed to going to a medical office or the emergency room. Licensed Illinois physicians received guidance from the Public Health Department to analyze a patient's symptoms over the phone and make a determination about whether that person should be screened in person.
Those with mild symptoms most likely do not need a coronavirus test, Ezike said. Instead, they will typically be asked to isolate themselves at home.
As of Friday, labs overseen by her department processed about 1,600 tests, representing more than 800 patients. Ezika warned that as commercial laboratories are able to handle tests, "we could see a dramatic increase of positives over the coming days and weeks."
Pritkzer on Saturday also announced his administration planned to ask the federal government for permission to expand Medicaid coverage. If approved, Illinois could add new physicians to the program.
For those with general COVID-19 questions, the Department of Public Health maintains a hotline at 1-800-889-3931 and an email address (dph.sick@illinois.gov).


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-14--Doctor says Trump tests negative for coronavirus

WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump has tested negative for the new coronavirus , according to the president 's personal physician .
The White House released the test results Saturday night after Trump told reporters hours earlier that he had taken the coronavirus test , following days of resisting being screened despite the fact that he had been in recent contact with three people who have tested positive for the virus , including members of the Brazilian president 's delegation who visited with him at his Florida resort .
`` One week after having dinner with the Brazilian delegation in Mar-a-Lago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sean Conley , the president 's physician , said in a memo .
Trump told reporters at a White House briefing on Saturday that he had his temperature taken and it was `` totally normal , '' shortly before stepping into the room to discuss the government 's efforts to halt the spread of the virus .
The pandemic has now infected more than 2,200 people in the U.S. and caused at least 50 deaths .
The president had multiple direct and indirect contacts with people who have since tested positive for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time with last weekend at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida .
The Brazilian Embassy in Washington said late Friday that the country 's chargé d'affaires , Nestor Forster , tested positive after sitting at Trump 's dinner table .
So , too , have a top aide to Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro , who took a photo with Trump and attended a party with him , and another person who attended a campaign fundraiser with the president that Sunday , according to two Republican officials who spoke on condition of anonymity in order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , after days of insisting that he was not exhibiting symptoms of the virus , relented after being pressed by reporters about his resistance to testing when multiple lawmakers and countless citizens across the country who have had the same degree of exposure have not only tried to get tested , but also chosen to try to avoid potentially infecting others .
The president , according to two people close to the White House , had been reluctant to take the test for fear it would project weakness or worry .
Trump has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crisis , and had expressed concerns that taking personal steps could undermine that appearance .
Trump came into office as self-described germaphobe who tried to avoid handshakes as he conducted his real estate business .
But he acknowledged Saturday that he 's now finding it difficult to resist shaking hands , a habit that he says he 's picked up since becoming a full-time politician .
At a news conference Friday to announce he was declaring a national emergency , Trump eagerly shook the hands of several corporate executives , even though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ task force have urged Americans to avoid physical contact to help stem the spread of the virus .
`` People come up to me , they shake hands , they put their hand out , '' Trump said .
`` It 's sort of a natural reflex , and we 're all getting out of it .
All of us have that problem . ''
The White House is stepping up efforts to try to keep the virus at bay .
On Saturday , the White House announced that it is now conducting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close contact with Trump and Vice President Mike Pence , including reporters who attend a White House briefing and anyone entering the Oval Office .
Pence also wrote a memo to White House staff Saturday reminding them to take precautions such as avoiding physical contact , washing hands frequently and staying home when sick .
`` It 's imperative each one of us do our part to take the proper precautions to keep ourselves and our colleagues safe , '' Pence wrote .
`` As an employee aboard the White House Complex , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the health of our Executive Branch and those working with us . ''
Dr. Deborah Birx , who is helping coordinate the U.S. response to the outbreak , noted that testing results reflect a snapshot in time and that it 's crucial for people to maintain precautions .
`` When you get a negative test , that means you 're negative that day , '' Birx said .
`` That does n't mean that you could n't get the virus spreading overnight , because it replicates in your nose and your nasal secretions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test tomorrow . ''

Doctor says Trump tests negative for coronavirus
President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference about the coronavirus in the James Brady Briefing Room at the White House, Saturday, March 14, 2020, in Washington.
WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump has tested negative for the new coronavirus, according to the president's personal physician.
The White House released the test results Saturday night after Trump told reporters hours earlier that he had taken the coronavirus test, following days of resisting being screened despite the fact that he had been in recent contact with three people who have tested positive for the virus, including members of the Brazilian president's delegation who visited with him at his Florida resort.
"One week after having dinner with the Brazilian delegation in Mar-a-Lago, the President remains symptom-free," Sean Conley, the president's physician, said in a memo.
Trump told reporters at a White House briefing on Saturday that he had his temperature taken and it was "totally normal," shortly before stepping into the room to discuss the government's efforts to halt the spread of the virus. The pandemic has now infected more than 2,200 people in the U.S. and caused at least 50 deaths.
The president had multiple direct and indirect contacts with people who have since tested positive for the virus, including three people he spent time with last weekend at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida.
The Brazilian Embassy in Washington said late Friday that the country's chargé d'affaires, Nestor Forster, tested positive after sitting at Trump's dinner table. So, too, have a top aide to Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who took a photo with Trump and attended a party with him, and another person who attended a campaign fundraiser with the president that Sunday, according to two Republican officials who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss private health matters.
Trump, after days of insisting that he was not exhibiting symptoms of the virus, relented after being pressed by reporters about his resistance to testing when multiple lawmakers and countless citizens across the country who have had the same degree of exposure have not only tried to get tested, but also chosen to try to avoid potentially infecting others.
The president, according to two people close to the White House, had been reluctant to take the test for fear it would project weakness or worry. Trump has wanted to appear in full control during the crisis, and had expressed concerns that taking personal steps could undermine that appearance.
Trump came into office as self-described germaphobe who tried to avoid handshakes as he conducted his real estate business. But he acknowledged Saturday that he's now finding it difficult to resist shaking hands, a habit that he says he's picked up since becoming a full-time politician.
At a news conference Friday to announce he was declaring a national emergency, Trump eagerly shook the hands of several corporate executives, even though health policy experts on White House coronavirus task force have urged Americans to avoid physical contact to help stem the spread of the virus.
"People come up to me, they shake hands, they put their hand out," Trump said. "It's sort of a natural reflex, and we're all getting out of it. All of us have that problem."
The White House is stepping up efforts to try to keep the virus at bay.
On Saturday, the White House announced that it is now conducting temperature checks on anyone who is in close contact with Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, including reporters who attend a White House briefing and anyone entering the Oval Office.
Pence also wrote a memo to White House staff Saturday reminding them to take precautions such as avoiding physical contact, washing hands frequently and staying home when sick.
"It's imperative each one of us do our part to take the proper precautions to keep ourselves and our colleagues safe," Pence wrote. "As an employee aboard the White House Complex, we have an additional duty to protect the health of our Executive Branch and those working with us."
Dr. Deborah Birx, who is helping coordinate the U.S. response to the outbreak, noted that testing results reflect a snapshot in time and that it's crucial for people to maintain precautions.
"When you get a negative test, that means you're negative that day," Birx said. "That doesn't mean that you couldn't get the virus spreading overnight, because it replicates in your nose and your nasal secretions, and you would have a positive test tomorrow."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-14--How military background inspired five decades of community service for Schaumburg veteran

When Pete Justen moved his young family to Schaumburg in August 1968 , the 11 years of military experience he brought with him inspired a need to serve his adopted community .
Now at 83 , Justen 's service to Schaumburg and fellow veterans continues in a variety of ways .
`` You 're used to doing something and you want to carry on , '' Justen said of the personal philosophy that 's guided him through nearly 52 years in town .
`` As you get older , you should be even more active . ''
A native of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two years in the Air Force ROTC before entering the Army Reserve in January 1957 and continuing until 1966 .
Though never entering active service , Justen nearly was part of the call-up surrounding construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961 .
He credits many of the characteristics that have served him well in both his ongoing career in the insurance industry and his community activism to the military training he received .
Among these he includes discipline , being on time and following through on commitments .
`` If you say it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Beginning with Allstate in Skokie in 1962 , he worked for several other insurance companies and brokerage houses until he started his own Just 10 Insurance Group in 1987 .
The Schaumburg Justen first encountered was quite different from the one of today .
But he was among those who encouraged its development and sought the sort of services more established communities like Arlington Heights and Palatine already had .
One of his early roles was as a member of the Jaycees , and he soon fell in with a crowd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ village board : then-Mayor Bob Atcher .
Justen became a village trustee in 1972 , but soon found politics an aspect of community involvement he did n't enjoy .
Instead he devoted more time and energy to the establishment of the Campanelli YMCA and Spring Valley Nature Center to Schaumburg .
His service today includes work with the Schaumburg A.M. Rotary Club Foundation , for which he is the charter president , American Legion Post 1983 , the Schaumburg Park Foundation , and the village 's fire and police commission that interviews and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The quality of the personality to fit in the community is what we look for , '' Justen said .
The result has been a diverse group of employees , which he said the commission is proud of .
The fundraising conducted by the American Legion post directly benefits the Veterans Affairs hospitals in the area , while the park foundation financially assists the Schaumburg Park District beyond what it receives from taxpayers .
`` It 's my hometown , '' Justen said of his continued involvement with Schaumburg and .
`` You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it to be the best it can be . ''
Among the changes he 's most looking forward to seeing is the redevelopment under way on the former Motorola Solutions office campus .
`` It 's been exciting living here , '' Justen said .
`` I want to live here forever . ''

How military background inspired five decades of community service for Schaumburg veteran
When Pete Justen moved his young family to Schaumburg in August 1968, the 11 years of military experience he brought with him inspired a need to serve his adopted community.
Now at 83, Justen's service to Schaumburg and fellow veterans continues in a variety of ways.
"You're used to doing something and you want to carry on," Justen said of the personal philosophy that's guided him through nearly 52 years in town. "As you get older, you should be even more active."
A native of Iowa City, Iowa, he completed two years in the Air Force ROTC before entering the Army Reserve in January 1957 and continuing until 1966.
Though never entering active service, Justen nearly was part of the call-up surrounding construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961.
He credits many of the characteristics that have served him well in both his ongoing career in the insurance industry and his community activism to the military training he received. Among these he includes discipline, being on time and following through on commitments.
"If you say it, you do it," he said.
Beginning with Allstate in Skokie in 1962, he worked for several other insurance companies and brokerage houses until he started his own Just 10 Insurance Group in 1987.
The Schaumburg Justen first encountered was quite different from the one of today. But he was among those who encouraged its development and sought the sort of services more established communities like Arlington Heights and Palatine already had.
One of his early roles was as a member of the Jaycees, and he soon fell in with a crowd that included an existing friend on the village board: then-Mayor Bob Atcher.
Justen became a village trustee in 1972, but soon found politics an aspect of community involvement he didn't enjoy.
Instead he devoted more time and energy to the establishment of the Campanelli YMCA and Spring Valley Nature Center to Schaumburg.
His service today includes work with the Schaumburg A.M. Rotary Club Foundation, for which he is the charter president, American Legion Post 1983, the Schaumburg Park Foundation, and the village's fire and police commission that interviews and evaluates candidates for both departments.
"The quality of the personality to fit in the community is what we look for," Justen said.
The result has been a diverse group of employees, which he said the commission is proud of.
The fundraising conducted by the American Legion post directly benefits the Veterans Affairs hospitals in the area, while the park foundation financially assists the Schaumburg Park District beyond what it receives from taxpayers.
"It's my hometown," Justen said of his continued involvement with Schaumburg and. "You're proud of it. You want it to be the best it can be."
Among the changes he's most looking forward to seeing is the redevelopment under way on the former Motorola Solutions office campus.
"It's been exciting living here," Justen said. "I want to live here forever."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-14--Facts Matter: There hasn't been a disease in each election year

A meme circulating on social media claiming every election year has coincided with a disease is `` inaccurate and imprecise , '' according to Science Feedback , a website that fact-checks scientific claims .
The meme , according to Snopes.com , lists diseases such as SARS , swine flu and ebola alongside years in which there were elections .
Since congressional elections occur every two years and special elections to fill vacancies can happen any year , every year is potentially an election year , Science Feedback said , also pointing out the list of diseases is incorrect .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , outbreak ran from November 2002 to July 2003 .
There was a recurrence in 2004 , the year listed on the social media post , but only in China .
There are various strains of bird flu but H5N1 , known for its high mortality rate to humans , happened in 1997 .
There was not an outbreak in 2008 , as the online post claimed .
A swine flu pandemic was declared in June 2009 after first being detected in April of that year .
By August 2010 , the date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ East respiratory syndrome , or MERS , was indeed first reported in 2012 but most cases occurred in 2014 .
Ebola , listed for 2014 and 2018 , first infected humans in 1976 .
The first known Zika outbreak was in 1952 .
A 2015 outbreak in Brazil spread to North America and the World Health Organization declared the disease a health emergency from February to November of 2016 .
A novel coronavirus , the virus causing COVID-19 , was first reported in 2019 , as the name suggests , not in 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has racked up 3 million views on Facebook , Science Feedback said .
Holding a deep breath is not a test for coronavirus The claim that holding your breath for 10 seconds without discomfort is a self test for coronavirus does n't hold air , according to Snopes.com .
Among the false COVID-19 information making the rounds on social media is a self test , provided by unnamed Taiwanese experts , Snopes said .
The information claims people with coronavirus will not show any symptoms but their lungs will be infected with fibrosis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breath for more than 10 seconds .
If that can be done without coughing , discomfort , stiffness or tightness , there is no fibrosis in the lungs .
The experts suggest doing this every morning in an area with clean air .
This claim is `` flawed for several reasons , '' Snopes said .
Holding your breath for 10 seconds , although harder with lung disease , is n't used as a test for fibrosis and is not an indication of clean lungs or the lack of an infection .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inhibit breathing , has not been listed by any major health organization as a symptom of coronavirus .
Former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg recently dropped out of the Democratic presidential race after spending nearly $ 500 million on TV , radio , digital and direct mail advertising .
Amid criticism about how much he spent , a few journalists falsely claimed Bloomberg could have given each American $ 1 million and spent the same amount of money , < URL destination= '' https : //apnews.com/048bf7c599c644ef38837cc9b52b226a '' > according to The Associated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows Bloomberg could give 500 people $ 1 million each before spending the same total .
The 327 million America citizens would actually receive about $ 1.53 each if the money was divided up equally .
A Twitter post by freelance journalist Mekita Rivas said , `` Bloomberg spent $ 500 million on ads .
The U.S. population is 327 million .
He could have given each American $ 1 million and still have money left over .
I feel like a $ 1 million check would be life-changing for most people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and STILL LOST . ''
New York Times editorial board member Mara Gay , while speaking with host Brian Williams on MSNBC , pointed to Rivas ' tweet and said , `` It 's true , it 's disturbing .
It does suggest what we 're talking about here , which is there is too much money in politics . ''
Everyone involved later acknowledged the mistake , the AP said .
Rivas wrote , `` I know , I 'm bad at math , '' on her Twitter bio .
Gay said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And Williams ' show said they relied on bad math , corrected it after a commercial break and removed that segment from rebroadcasts of the program .
• Bob Oswald is a veteran Chicago-area journalist and former news editor of the Elgin Courier-News .
Contact him at boboswald33 @ gmail.com .

Facts Matter: There hasn't been a disease in each election year
A meme circulating on social media claiming every election year has coincided with a disease is "inaccurate and imprecise," according to Science Feedback, a website that fact-checks scientific claims.
The meme, according to Snopes.com, lists diseases such as SARS, swine flu and ebola alongside years in which there were elections.
Since congressional elections occur every two years and special elections to fill vacancies can happen any year, every year is potentially an election year, Science Feedback said, also pointing out the list of diseases is incorrect.
The severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, outbreak ran from November 2002 to July 2003. There was a recurrence in 2004, the year listed on the social media post, but only in China.
There are various strains of bird flu but H5N1, known for its high mortality rate to humans, happened in 1997. There was not an outbreak in 2008, as the online post claimed.
A swine flu pandemic was declared in June 2009 after first being detected in April of that year. By August 2010, the date listed, it had ended.
Middle East respiratory syndrome, or MERS, was indeed first reported in 2012 but most cases occurred in 2014. Ebola, listed for 2014 and 2018, first infected humans in 1976.
The first known Zika outbreak was in 1952. A 2015 outbreak in Brazil spread to North America and the World Health Organization declared the disease a health emergency from February to November of 2016.
A novel coronavirus, the virus causing COVID-19, was first reported in 2019, as the name suggests, not in 2020.
The meme with the false info has racked up 3 million views on Facebook, Science Feedback said.
Holding a deep breath is not a test for coronavirus
The claim that holding your breath for 10 seconds without discomfort is a self test for coronavirus doesn't hold air, according to Snopes.com.
Among the false COVID-19 information making the rounds on social media is a self test, provided by unnamed Taiwanese experts, Snopes said. The information claims people with coronavirus will not show any symptoms but their lungs will be infected with fibrosis. The test includes holding a deep breath for more than 10 seconds. If that can be done without coughing, discomfort, stiffness or tightness, there is no fibrosis in the lungs. The experts suggest doing this every morning in an area with clean air.
This claim is "flawed for several reasons," Snopes said.
Holding your breath for 10 seconds, although harder with lung disease, isn't used as a test for fibrosis and is not an indication of clean lungs or the lack of an infection.
And fibrosis in the lungs, which can inhibit breathing, has not been listed by any major health organization as a symptom of coronavirus.
Bloomberg's spending wouldn't make every American a millionaire
Former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg recently dropped out of the Democratic presidential race after spending nearly $500 million on TV, radio, digital and direct mail advertising.
Amid criticism about how much he spent, a few journalists falsely claimed Bloomberg could have given each American $1 million and spent the same amount of money, according to The Associated Press.
Simple math shows Bloomberg could give 500 people $1 million each before spending the same total. The 327 million America citizens would actually receive about $1.53 each if the money was divided up equally.
A Twitter post by freelance journalist Mekita Rivas said, "Bloomberg spent $500 million on ads. The U.S. population is 327 million. He could have given each American $1 million and still have money left over. I feel like a $1 million check would be life-changing for most people. Yet he wasted it all on ads and STILL LOST."
New York Times editorial board member Mara Gay, while speaking with host Brian Williams on MSNBC, pointed to Rivas' tweet and said, "It's true, it's disturbing. It does suggest what we're talking about here, which is there is too much money in politics."
Everyone involved later acknowledged the mistake, the AP said.
Rivas wrote, "I know, I'm bad at math," on her Twitter bio. Gay said she would be buying a calculator. And Williams' show said they relied on bad math, corrected it after a commercial break and removed that segment from rebroadcasts of the program.
• Bob Oswald is a veteran Chicago-area journalist and former news editor of the Elgin Courier-News. Contact him at boboswald33@gmail.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-14--Softball: Maine West hungry for another CSL North title

Maine West 's softball team liked the taste of a Central Suburban North co-championship last season .
The Warriors are hungry for another title this spring .
They 'll be looking to senior leadership and strong pitching to get the job done .
West returns four-year starter Jessica Steingard and junior Abby Gawlinski to share the bulk of innings on the mound .
Behind the plate are the capable hands of four-year starter Amanda Byrne and junior Angelis Beiza .
`` Our catchers are solid receivers behind the plate and hit for both average and power , '' said coach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 8-2 last season while sharing the CSL North with Vernon Hills .
Dvorak must replace middle infielders Olivia Feldkamp ( shortstop ) and Gabby Demma ( second base ) , who were a tandem for the past three seasons .
`` It 's great having so many girls that are hungry to play and fighting for starting positions , '' said the fourth-year coach , who is assisted by former Fremd multisport athlete Kelly Voigt .
`` We will continue to experiment until we find the right combination .
We are challenging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play at new positions . ''
Other returning starters are Brianna Migaczewski ( senior ) , Katelyn Weber ( senior ) , Emily Divelbiss ( junior ) and Ashley Desilva ( junior ) , who provided extra pop to the lineup in the second half of last season .
After finishing the 2019 season with a regional championship , Maine South will feature a lot of new faces this spring .
`` We are returning a few starters and looking to fill the vacant starting spots with girls competing in the preseason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hawks coach Emmy Pasier , who was also the assistant for the girls basketball team which enjoyed a stellar 27-9 season .
`` Some of these girls have varsity experience and some are new . ''
The left side of the infield will be returning senior Libby Strotman at third base and sophomore Molly Grace at short .
`` This team has already proven to be a hardworking one with players who work well to push each other to be the best they can be , '' Pasier said .
`` They know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team make up and when they all are working together those individual links will become a chain that will be hard to break . ''
St. Viator coach John Scotillo expects the Lions to be substantially stronger offensively than a year ago .
`` The core of our lineup has been hitting regularly all year , '' he said .
`` They have measurably increased their bat speed . ''
Starting pitchers Gianna Saverino and Mary Naughton are now in their third year .
`` They 're feeling more and more comfortable , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on their control this offseason and have shown improvement already . ''
The Lions ' infield will have a new look .
`` We are excited about seeing freshman Brooke Cwick at third base and last year 's Rookie of the Year , Allison Ardito , moving to shortstop , '' added Scotillo , who begins his seventh season as the Lions ' coach .
Anchoring the infield will be all-conference catcher Morgan Bielfeldt ( .
385 and 4 home runs ) .
Nicole Ardito returns to the outfield .
`` That 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expect that she will once again be a table setter in the lineup , '' Scotillo said .
Senior captains Ardito and Bielfeldt along with Ava Davis and Elise Bollard will lead the way .
`` They are like assistant coaches , '' Scotillo added .
`` They are tremendous assets to me and to the team . ''
Leyden coach Kurt Schuett , now in his 15th season , is looking to the future as he 'll put a young squad on the field for 2020 .
`` We look to build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deep playoff run in 2021 , '' said Schuett , whose team was 19-8 and 8-4 in the West Suburban Gold Conference last year .
Key returnees for the Eagles are Elle Engleke ( senior/catcher ) , Elyse McLaughlin ( senior/OF ) , Bre Deutscher ( junior/pitcher ) , and Yaritza Frias ( junior/shortstop ) .
The Eagles boast one of the toughest schedules in the state , coupled with one of the youngest rosters .
First-year coach Nikko Andriotis is hoping this year 's group has potential to turn around the Maine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ competitive softball .
`` Our program is in the stages of rebuilding , with me stepping in as the new head coach , a whole new coaching staff , and lots of young players with potential , '' Andriotis said .
`` Developing our younger players is a strong focus for our program this season . ''
Four seniors will help lead Andriotis ' first squad .
He also has two freshman who are expected to play big roles over the next four years .
Andriotis said two returners with high ceilings are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Solomiya Plugator .
`` Jess has incredible potential as a sophomore , '' the coach said .
`` And with the coaching of former all-state pitcher Claudia Maloberti as our pitching coach , I feel Jess is going to make big strides in her career this season .
`` Solomiya has proved to sure-handed at third with a great arm .
She 's also a strong hitter that will hit in the middle of the lineup and do some damage at the plate this year .
She is a smart and effective leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teammates . ''

Softball: Maine West hungry for another CSL North title
Maine West's softball team liked the taste of a Central Suburban North co-championship last season.
The Warriors are hungry for another title this spring.
They'll be looking to senior leadership and strong pitching to get the job done.
West returns four-year starter Jessica Steingard and junior Abby Gawlinski to share the bulk of innings on the mound. Behind the plate are the capable hands of four-year starter Amanda Byrne and junior Angelis Beiza.
"Our catchers are solid receivers behind the plate and hit for both average and power," said coach Him Dvorak, whose club was 15-11 and 8-2 last season while sharing the CSL North with Vernon Hills.
Dvorak must replace middle infielders Olivia Feldkamp (shortstop) and Gabby Demma (second base), who were a tandem for the past three seasons.
"It's great having so many girls that are hungry to play and fighting for starting positions," said the fourth-year coach, who is assisted by former Fremd multisport athlete Kelly Voigt. "We will continue to experiment until we find the right combination. We are challenging our team to be flexible and ready to play at new positions."
Other returning starters are Brianna Migaczewski (senior), Katelyn Weber (senior), Emily Divelbiss (junior) and Ashley Desilva (junior), who provided extra pop to the lineup in the second half of last season.
After finishing the 2019 season with a regional championship, Maine South will feature a lot of new faces this spring.
"We are returning a few starters and looking to fill the vacant starting spots with girls competing in the preseason workouts and practice," said veteran Hawks coach Emmy Pasier, who was also the assistant for the girls basketball team which enjoyed a stellar 27-9 season. "Some of these girls have varsity experience and some are new."
The left side of the infield will be returning senior Libby Strotman at third base and sophomore Molly Grace at short.
"This team has already proven to be a hardworking one with players who work well to push each other to be the best they can be," Pasier said. "They know each other is a link to the team make up and when they all are working together those individual links will become a chain that will be hard to break."
St. Viator coach John Scotillo expects the Lions to be substantially stronger offensively than a year ago.
"The core of our lineup has been hitting regularly all year," he said. "They have measurably increased their bat speed."
Starting pitchers Gianna Saverino and Mary Naughton are now in their third year.
"They're feeling more and more comfortable," Scotillo said. " They've worked on their control this offseason and have shown improvement already."
The Lions' infield will have a new look.
"We are excited about seeing freshman Brooke Cwick at third base and last year's Rookie of the Year, Allison Ardito, moving to shortstop," added Scotillo, who begins his seventh season as the Lions' coach.
Anchoring the infield will be all-conference catcher Morgan Bielfeldt (. 385 and 4 home runs).
Nicole Ardito returns to the outfield. "That's where she is most comfortable and we expect that she will once again be a table setter in the lineup," Scotillo said.
Senior captains Ardito and Bielfeldt along with Ava Davis and Elise Bollard will lead the way. "They are like assistant coaches," Scotillo added. "They are tremendous assets to me and to the team."
Leyden coach Kurt Schuett, now in his 15th season, is looking to the future as he'll put a young squad on the field for 2020.
"We look to build this year in preparation for making a deep playoff run in 2021," said Schuett, whose team was 19-8 and 8-4 in the West Suburban Gold Conference last year.
Key returnees for the Eagles are Elle Engleke (senior/catcher), Elyse McLaughlin (senior/OF), Bre Deutscher (junior/pitcher), and Yaritza Frias (junior/shortstop).
The Eagles boast one of the toughest schedules in the state, coupled with one of the youngest rosters.
First-year coach Nikko Andriotis is hoping this year's group has potential to turn around the Maine East program and create a culture of competitive softball.
"Our program is in the stages of rebuilding, with me stepping in as the new head coach, a whole new coaching staff, and lots of young players with potential," Andriotis said. "Developing our younger players is a strong focus for our program this season."
Four seniors will help lead Andriotis' first squad. He also has two freshman who are expected to play big roles over the next four years.
Andriotis said two returners with high ceilings are sophomore pitcher Jessalyn Coppe and third baseman Solomiya Plugator.
"Jess has incredible potential as a sophomore," the coach said. "And with the coaching of former all-state pitcher Claudia Maloberti as our pitching coach, I feel Jess is going to make big strides in her career this season.
"Solomiya has proved to sure-handed at third with a great arm. She's also a strong hitter that will hit in the middle of the lineup and do some damage at the plate this year. She is a smart and effective leader and already has the respect of her teammates."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-14--Softball: Elk Grove returns tons of experience

Elk Grove softball coach Ken Grams has guided the Grenadiers to 948 wins since landing the job in 1981 .
Now in his 40th season , you can expect more wins from the hall of famer this spring when the state-ranked Grenadiers will chase a 20th Mid-Suburban East crown with seven returning players .
`` We had a very nice season last year , '' said Grams , the winningest active coach in Illinois .
`` It 's a group with a good amount of talent and experience who work well together . ''
The Grens return two experienced pitchers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Masnica .
Senior catcher Katia Pendowski will be a four-year starter who performs all phases of the game at a high level .
Three of four players return to a solid and reliable infield -- Masnica , junior Taylor Schulz and senior Grace Engwall .
And two excellent outfielders who have been starters since they were freshmen -- juniors Morgan Leach and AJ Trausch , who have been starters since they were freshmen .
One of the top challengers for Elk Grove will be defending East champion Hersey .
All-area standouts Brianna Luciano @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but coach Hersey coach Molly Freeman has four returning senior starters with all-conference selection Savanah Gazda , Morgan Breden , Kyle Makuh and Ria Patel .
`` We will be entering the season with a lot of experience , '' Freeman said .
`` We 'll have those seniors , five juniors , two sophomores and a freshman . ''
The Huskies have won three East titles under Freeman .
`` We 're very excited to be competing for our fourth , '' said the former Fremd Athlete of the Year who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As a team , we believe we have a lot of strengths both up to bat and on defense .
We are very excited to get our season started . ''
Prospect kicks off its fourth season under coach Krystina Mackowiak .
`` We are a young team this season ( five freshmen , two sophomores ) so we will look to the early games to help us grow and play as a cohesive unit , '' Mackowiak said .
Pitcher Claire Doherty , who has committed to the Milwaukee School of Engineering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We will lean on her to keep teams off balance and our defense to back her up and make the plays , '' Mackowiak said .
`` This is a talented , hard working group with a lot of potential for success .
The coaches are excited to watch this group surprise a lot of opponents . ''
All-conference infielder Megan Fontanetta returns for her senior season to lead coach Starr Dorsey 's Buffalo Grove Bison .
The three-sport athlete ( golf and basketball ) will play a key role in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who led the Bison with her .514 batting average last year as a freshman .
`` We will be a very young team with five freshmen and three sophomores on the varsity , '' Dorsey said .
`` But it 's a group that has a very high softball IQ .
I am expecting a lot on the defensive and offensive side of things from these young athletes . ''
Rolling Meadows coach Tony Wolanski begins his 17th season after graduating seven seniors from a team that won 19 games .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said Wolanski , a winner of more than 200 games who returns five varsity players and three starters .
Wolanski said Sami Benner , Sam Elenz and Kelsie Campbell are expected to lead the Mustangs .
`` We have a nice mix of players who have been working hard in practice , '' Wolanski said.
`` We have a very inexperienced team this season so we are trying to learn how to play the game at the high school level .
We are going to have to be patient as it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the kids to develop .
Our goal is to improve each week . ''
Wheeling coach Mike Caringella has three returning starters as he begins his 11th season .
Emmie Lacaeyse , Peyton Lacaeyse and Sophia Stanke are four-year starters for the Wildcats who return eight sophomores who played on varsity as freshman last year .
Dani Moser and Nikki Niznik started in center and right .
Sam Janulis and Lexi Blumka were in the infield .
Julia Konrath pitched while Jojo Stepak and Mia Joyner shared catching duties .
Lexi Bernstein also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see major playing time .

Softball: Elk Grove returns tons of experience
Elk Grove softball coach Ken Grams has guided the Grenadiers to 948 wins since landing the job in 1981.
Now in his 40th season, you can expect more wins from the hall of famer this spring when the state-ranked Grenadiers will chase a 20th Mid-Suburban East crown with seven returning players.
"We had a very nice season last year," said Grams, the winningest active coach in Illinois. "It's a group with a good amount of talent and experience who work well together."
The Grens return two experienced pitchers with senior Lauren Clausen and junior Olivia Masnica.
Senior catcher Katia Pendowski will be a four-year starter who performs all phases of the game at a high level.
Three of four players return to a solid and reliable infield -- Masnica, junior Taylor Schulz and senior Grace Engwall.
And two excellent outfielders who have been starters since they were freshmen -- juniors Morgan Leach and AJ Trausch, who have been starters since they were freshmen.
One of the top challengers for Elk Grove will be defending East champion Hersey.
All-area standouts Brianna Luciano, Makayla Tsaglis and Sarah Balitz graduated, but coach Hersey coach Molly Freeman has four returning senior starters with all-conference selection Savanah Gazda, Morgan Breden, Kyle Makuh and Ria Patel.
"We will be entering the season with a lot of experience," Freeman said. "We'll have those seniors, five juniors, two sophomores and a freshman."
The Huskies have won three East titles under Freeman.
"We're very excited to be competing for our fourth," said the former Fremd Athlete of the Year who is in her 13th season. "As a team, we believe we have a lot of strengths both up to bat and on defense. We are very excited to get our season started."
Prospect kicks off its fourth season under coach Krystina Mackowiak.
"We are a young team this season (five freshmen, two sophomores) so we will look to the early games to help us grow and play as a cohesive unit," Mackowiak said.
Pitcher Claire Doherty, who has committed to the Milwaukee School of Engineering, returns for her fourth varsity season.
"We will lean on her to keep teams off balance and our defense to back her up and make the plays," Mackowiak said. "This is a talented, hard working group with a lot of potential for success. The coaches are excited to watch this group surprise a lot of opponents."
All-conference infielder Megan Fontanetta returns for her senior season to lead coach Starr Dorsey's Buffalo Grove Bison.
The three-sport athlete (golf and basketball) will play a key role in the batting order along with Angelina Craig, who led the Bison with her .514 batting average last year as a freshman.
"We will be a very young team with five freshmen and three sophomores on the varsity," Dorsey said. "But it's a group that has a very high softball IQ. I am expecting a lot on the defensive and offensive side of things from these young athletes."
Rolling Meadows coach Tony Wolanski begins his 17th season after graduating seven seniors from a team that won 19 games.
"So this will be a rebuilding year," said Wolanski, a winner of more than 200 games who returns five varsity players and three starters.
Wolanski said Sami Benner, Sam Elenz and Kelsie Campbell are expected to lead the Mustangs.
"We have a nice mix of players who have been working hard in practice," Wolanski said. " We have a very inexperienced team this season so we are trying to learn how to play the game at the high school level. We are going to have to be patient as it is going to take some time for the kids to develop. Our goal is to improve each week."
Wheeling coach Mike Caringella has three returning starters as he begins his 11th season.
Emmie Lacaeyse, Peyton Lacaeyse and Sophia Stanke are four-year starters for the Wildcats who return eight sophomores who played on varsity as freshman last year.
Dani Moser and Nikki Niznik started in center and right. Sam Janulis and Lexi Blumka were in the infield. Julia Konrath pitched while Jojo Stepak and Mia Joyner shared catching duties.
Lexi Bernstein also returns while freshman Amanda Bann is expected to see major playing time.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-14--Softball: MSL West up for grabs again

Softball: MSL West up for grabs again

Two teams who graduated the Daily Herald all-area captains ( Grace Huff of Palatine and Kendall Peterson of Barrington ) .
That 's what you have in Mid-Suburban West softball this spring with Palatine , Barrington and Fremd , the top three finishers in the standings a year ago .
All look to make serious bids again .
The defending MSL champion Pirates welcome back several key players .
`` We 're lucky to have another great group of seniors , '' said Pirates assistant coach Kristen Proffitt , currently filling in for sixth-year head coach Nicole Capalbo who begins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are well balanced and have players from each grade which is nice since we always have lots of players with varsity experience . ''
Returners are senior pitcher and Wisconsin-Whitewater recruit Rhiann Dick ( 26-2 , 368 career strikeouts ) , junior third baseman Kaitlyn Reed , senior outfielder Emily Brinckerhoff ( .
296 , 5 home runs ) , senior first baseman Mandy Logan ( .
417 ) , senior catcher Chase Friel ( .
302 ) .
`` Our group has been working on communication and positivity , '' Proffitt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will translate to good things on the field .
Our newcomers are ready to play hard , and they will make an immediate impact .
Our team should be fast and fundamentally sound this year .
We 're looking forward to playing games and working together . ''
Barrington , is under the direction of hall of fame coach Perry Peterson ( 842-193 in 28 seasons ) , who is excited to start his 29th season .
Junior pitcher Jackie Albrecht leads the Fillies in the circle , finishing 2019 with a 12-1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out 85 batters in 94 innings , walking 19 batters .
Last year 's 30-5 team ( 14-2 in the MSL ) saw the emergence of freshman hitting star Brynn Nevers ( .
410 batting average , 43 hits , 29 runs and 36 RBI ) .
The Fillies continue their rugged nonconference schedule with games against defending Class 4A state champ Huntley , south suburban power Sandburg , supersectional finalist Marengo , and Pontiac , led by Stanford pitching recruit Regan Krause .
Coach Josh Teschner 's Fremd Vikings have eight returning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Class 4A state runner-up St. Charles East in the Glenbard West sectional semifinal .
The Vikings ' schedule will match them against 12 regional champions and three sectional champions .
`` We 'll rely on Kalyn McCarthy ( sophomore who stole a school record 54 bases last year and hit , 452 ) to set the table once again . ''
said Teschner , who begins his fourth season .
Sophomores Elaina Kraus and Ava Jordan will look to add to the success of their all-area freshmen campaigns .
All-conference third baseman Cali @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homers and 31 RBI .
Seniors Kelsey Brauer , McKenna Schneider , Sophia Crescio and Reagan Goluch ( Carthage recruit ) return to lead a hungry Viking team seeking its 21st regional title and third in a row .
All-area Brauer hit .408 with 4 homers and 34 RBI for an offense that averaged over 8 runs .
Also returning are pitchers Grace Hiller ( junior ) and Gina Dudley ( sophomore ) .
Hill had 11 wins .
Juniors Marisa Chalmers , Abby Cabrales and Maddie Johnson and freshman Anna Poss join @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Former Illinois standout infielder Allie Bauch is excited to have more consistency and experience for her second season as the Conant coach .
`` We have 11 returners from last year and added three freshmen to a well-rounded group of girls , '' said the former Cougars standout shortstop .
Seniors Hannah Oh , Katie Maize , Amanda Santangelo and Kayleen Sebo will provide great leadership .
Juniors Emma Akers , Payton Andjulis , Ali Falcone , Julia Flaishaker , Tara Lovas , Emma Wokurka along with sophomore Janessa Gonzalez are versatile and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Bauch .
`` Our three freshmen ( Mikayla Nowicki , Elena Ruffolo and Natalie Spaitis ) are eager to contribute to the program as well , '' Bauch added .
`` We are excited to play on our new field this year and look forward to competing in the MSL . ''
Schaumburg coach Ellen Abreu has quite a bit of returning talent to join new talent as she begins her tenth season .
The returners are seniors Talia Torosian ( two-time all-conference selection ) and Nikki Kolodziej , along with juniors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gutierrez and sophomores Marisa Vodicka , Jordan Karson , Morgan Miller , Abby Greenberg and Kim Kolodziej .
Newcomers are junior Izabel Gutierrez , sophomore Payton Dolecki and freshmen Bella Giometti and Brianna Linnemann .
`` We are excited to get started and compete this season , '' said Abreu , a former standout pitcher at Fremd High School who led the Saxons to the Mid-Suburban League championship in 2015 .
Former Illinois and Buffalo Grove standout Lindsey Hamma , the head coach at Hoffman Estates , welcomes back eight players for her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to build on their varsity experience from last season , '' Hamma said .
`` We are led by second year co-captains Bri Venegas at shortstop and Emily Grossi on the pitchers mound . ''
They 've been varsity starters since their freshmen years .
`` We expect big things from them as they finish out their high school careers , '' Hamma added .
The Hawks ' sophomore battery of Ryan Cloherty and Gracie Velazquez have worked extremely hard in the offseason .
`` We will look to them to contribute to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well , '' Hamma said .
Sophomore Emily Morris will join Venegas in the infield .
`` We will look to senior Patricia Wadas to provide leadership in the outfield , '' Hamma added .
Madison Barnes and Jayleen Suarez gained experience in the outfield last season while newcomers Samie Nieves , Tori Spitz , and Sophia Steel are utility players who give maximum effort at whatever role they are asked to perform .

Softball: MSL West up for grabs again
Three state-ranked teams.
Three defending regional champions.
Two teams who graduated the Daily Herald all-area captains (Grace Huff of Palatine and Kendall Peterson of Barrington).
That's what you have in Mid-Suburban West softball this spring with Palatine, Barrington and Fremd, the top three finishers in the standings a year ago.
All look to make serious bids again.
The defending MSL champion Pirates welcome back several key players.
"We're lucky to have another great group of seniors," said Pirates assistant coach Kristen Proffitt, currently filling in for sixth-year head coach Nicole Capalbo who begins the season on maternity leave. "We are well balanced and have players from each grade which is nice since we always have lots of players with varsity experience."
Returners are senior pitcher and Wisconsin-Whitewater recruit Rhiann Dick (26-2, 368 career strikeouts), junior third baseman Kaitlyn Reed, senior outfielder Emily Brinckerhoff (. 296, 5 home runs), senior first baseman Mandy Logan (. 417), senior catcher Chase Friel (. 302).
"Our group has been working on communication and positivity," Proffitt said. "And I think that will translate to good things on the field. Our newcomers are ready to play hard, and they will make an immediate impact. Our team should be fast and fundamentally sound this year. We're looking forward to playing games and working together."
Barrington, is under the direction of hall of fame coach Perry Peterson (842-193 in 28 seasons), who is excited to start his 29th season.
Junior pitcher Jackie Albrecht leads the Fillies in the circle, finishing 2019 with a 12-1 record and 0.74 ERA. She struck out 85 batters in 94 innings, walking 19 batters.
Last year's 30-5 team (14-2 in the MSL) saw the emergence of freshman hitting star Brynn Nevers (. 410 batting average, 43 hits, 29 runs and 36 RBI).
The Fillies continue their rugged nonconference schedule with games against defending Class 4A state champ Huntley, south suburban power Sandburg, supersectional finalist Marengo, and Pontiac, led by Stanford pitching recruit Regan Krause.
Coach Josh Teschner's Fremd Vikings have eight returning starters from a club that loss to Class 4A state runner-up St. Charles East in the Glenbard West sectional semifinal.
The Vikings' schedule will match them against 12 regional champions and three sectional champions.
"We'll rely on Kalyn McCarthy (sophomore who stole a school record 54 bases last year and hit, 452) to set the table once again." said Teschner, who begins his fourth season.
Sophomores Elaina Kraus and Ava Jordan will look to add to the success of their all-area freshmen campaigns.
All-conference third baseman Cali DiVito returns after hitting .380 with 4 homers and 31 RBI.
Seniors Kelsey Brauer, McKenna Schneider, Sophia Crescio and Reagan Goluch (Carthage recruit) return to lead a hungry Viking team seeking its 21st regional title and third in a row.
All-area Brauer hit .408 with 4 homers and 34 RBI for an offense that averaged over 8 runs.
Also returning are pitchers Grace Hiller (junior) and Gina Dudley (sophomore). Hill had 11 wins.
Juniors Marisa Chalmers, Abby Cabrales and Maddie Johnson and freshman Anna Poss join the varsity to add significant depth.
Former Illinois standout infielder Allie Bauch is excited to have more consistency and experience for her second season as the Conant coach.
"We have 11 returners from last year and added three freshmen to a well-rounded group of girls," said the former Cougars standout shortstop.
Seniors Hannah Oh, Katie Maize, Amanda Santangelo and Kayleen Sebo will provide great leadership.
Juniors Emma Akers, Payton Andjulis, Ali Falcone, Julia Flaishaker, Tara Lovas, Emma Wokurka along with sophomore Janessa Gonzalez are versatile and have displayed a hard work ethic according to Bauch.
"Our three freshmen (Mikayla Nowicki, Elena Ruffolo and Natalie Spaitis) are eager to contribute to the program as well," Bauch added. "We are excited to play on our new field this year and look forward to competing in the MSL."
Schaumburg coach Ellen Abreu has quite a bit of returning talent to join new talent as she begins her tenth season.
The returners are seniors Talia Torosian (two-time all-conference selection) and Nikki Kolodziej, along with juniors Sophie Rainey, Sydney Kozlowski and Mariah Gutierrez and sophomores Marisa Vodicka, Jordan Karson, Morgan Miller, Abby Greenberg and Kim Kolodziej.
Newcomers are junior Izabel Gutierrez, sophomore Payton Dolecki and freshmen Bella Giometti and Brianna Linnemann.
"We are excited to get started and compete this season," said Abreu, a former standout pitcher at Fremd High School who led the Saxons to the Mid-Suburban League championship in 2015.
Former Illinois and Buffalo Grove standout Lindsey Hamma, the head coach at Hoffman Estates, welcomes back eight players for her 15th season.
"We are excited to build on their varsity experience from last season," Hamma said. "We are led by second year co-captains Bri Venegas at shortstop and Emily Grossi on the pitchers mound."
They've been varsity starters since their freshmen years.
"We expect big things from them as they finish out their high school careers," Hamma added.
The Hawks' sophomore battery of Ryan Cloherty and Gracie Velazquez have worked extremely hard in the offseason.
"We will look to them to contribute to the heart of our batting order as well," Hamma said.
Sophomore Emily Morris will join Venegas in the infield.
"We will look to senior Patricia Wadas to provide leadership in the outfield," Hamma added.
Madison Barnes and Jayleen Suarez gained experience in the outfield last season while newcomers Samie Nieves, Tori Spitz, and Sophia Steel are utility players who give maximum effort at whatever role they are asked to perform.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-14--Girls soccer / Preseason Top 20

Girls soccer / Preseason Top 20

2 .
St. Charles North ( 19-2-2 ) 189 wins in the last 10 seasons 18 .
Larkin ( 14-7-2 @ @ @ @ @ returns 20 .
South Elgin ( 14-4-3 ) Storm needs to replace five starters

Girls soccer / Preseason Top 20
Girls soccer
Team Comment
1. Barrington (22-2-1) State runner-up returns nearly everyone
2. St. Charles North (19-2-2) 189 wins in the last 10 seasons
3. Waubonsie Valley (17-3-2) 18 returnees for coach Bergstrom
4. St. Charles East (22-6-0) Can Saints get past St. Charles North?
5. Batavia (17-5-2) Bulldogs are deep and talented
6. Neuqua Valley (10-5-4) Tesmond is a great goalkeeper
7. Naperville North (15-5-4) Class 3A champ graduated eight starters
8. Wauconda (19-3-3) Class 2A runner-up a season ago
9. Stevenson (22-2-2) Back for another state run
10. Fremd (14-5-3) A strong defense begins with GK Norris
11. Conant (16-3-2) A first-class back line
12. Libertyville (13-7-0) Many experienced players are back
13. Glenbard East (19-4-2) Eight starters back in Lombard
14. Benet (24-3-1) Class 2A champ lost six starters
15. Warren (13-9-3) A solid core of players are ready
16. Hersey (12-8-3) Sena is quality up top
17. Buffalo Grove (6-7-3) Bison first 11 looks good
18. Larkin (14-7-2) All but one player returns
19. Metea Valley (11-9-2) Mustangs are stellar defensively
20. South Elgin (14-4-3) Storm needs to replace five starters


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-15--Pritzker orders all restaurants and bars closed by Monday night

Gov .
JB Pritzker today ordered all restaurants and bars in the state closed to customers as of the end of business Monday until at least March 30 , in a sweeping measure aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus .
Pritzker announced the order during a news conference during which he lamented that many people had not taken seriously earlier suggestions to avoid crowds and public gatherings .
`` The time for persuasion and public appeal is over , '' he said .
`` The time for action is now .
This is not a joke . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Tuesday 's primary election will go forward as planned .
Under the order , restaurants still will be able to serve customers at drive-through windows and curbside pickup .
Pritzker hinted at the drastic measure during an appearance earlier Sunday on NBC 's `` Meet the Press . ''
He said discussions of a lockdown stem in part from videos showing large groups of revelers gathering in Chicago bars Saturday to celebrate St. Patrick 's Day weekend , despite health officials urging people to avoid crowds and practice social distancing .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you 're healthy , even if you 're young , that you may be a carrier .
And you 're going to hand it over to somebody else , '' Pritzker told host Chuck Todd .
`` COVID-19 is spreading because even healthy people can be walking around , giving it to other people .
So we need to go on lockdown . ''
Pritzker said he and his staff could make a decision as early as today .
`` Nowhere in the United States really has there been a lockdown on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something that we 're seriously looking at , '' he said .
Those same images from Saturday night prompted Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to impose new limits on gatherings .
Effective immediately , all businesses that sell liquor will have a max capacity of 100 people , Lightfoot announced in a tweet Sunday morning .
In the meantime , anger continued to mount over long lines that developed Saturday night at O'Hare International Airport 's customs area as hundreds of travelers returning from Europe were forced to wait in line for hours to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` to express my strong concerns and disappointment with the federal government 's lack of preparedness in issuing new directives about airport screening .
That fail is directly the cause of last night 's unacceptable conditions at O'Hare and other airports across the country .
`` Last night we saw their safety and security was seriously compromised and people were forced into conditions that are against CDC guidance and are totally unacceptable , '' Lightfoot said .
Customs and Border Protection Acting Commissioner Mark Morgan said he recognized wait times were unacceptable at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency , there will unfortunately be times of disruption and increased processing times for travelers .
CBP is working around the clock to minimize these inconveniences .
`` As we work collaboratively with federal , state , and local agencies to address the spread of COVID-19 , some of the resources of our partners are stretched thin , '' Morgan said .
Pritzker said the situation at O'Hare could be even worse today , as a larger number of flights from Europe are expected to arrive .
`` What should have happened , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ border patrol numbers and they should have increased the number of CDC personnel on the ground doing those checks , '' he said .
`` They did neither of those .
So last night as people were flooding into O'Hare Airport , they were stuck in a small area , hundreds and hundreds of people , and that 's exactly what you do n't want in this pandemic . ''
After sending a tweet Saturday night stating that the federal government needs to `` get its ( expletive ) together , '' Pritzker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House staff member `` who yelled at me about the tweet . ''
Later Sunday , Pritzker wrote in a tweet that he had spoken with Vice President Mike Pence and the head of the Department of Homeland Security , and more staffing was pledged for O'Hare .
`` We got quick action from the White House by working with @ chicagosmayor ( Lightfoot ) and @ SenatorDurbin ( Sen. Dick Durbin ) , and I 'll continue to work closely with Sen. Durbin to communicate our concerns to the federal government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweet .

Pritzker orders all bars, restaurant dining rooms closed
Gov. J.B. Pritzker ordered all restaurants and bars closed at the end of the business day Monday in a sweeping measure aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19.
Restaurants across the state must close to dine-in customers at the end of business Monday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker ordered Sunday in a move aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus. David Proeber/The Pantagraph via AP
Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Sunday ordered all restaurants and bars in the state closed to customers at the end of business Monday until at least March 30, a sweeping measure aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus.
Restaurants can continue serving pickup and drive-through customers and provide delivery during the two-week hiatus.
Pritzker announced the order during a news conference in which he lamented that many people had not heeded earlier suggestions to avoid crowds and public gatherings.
"The time for persuasion and public appeal is over," he said. "The time for action is now. This is not a joke."
The edict comes as the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Illinois rose to 93, up from 64 during Pritzker's media briefing Saturday.
Despite some of the unprecedented measures taken to curb COVID-19, Pritzker said the state will go forward with Tuesday's primary election as planned.
His move to close restaurants and bars has the backing of health authorities as well as the Illinois Restaurant Association.
"First and foremost, we want to protect the health of our customers and our team members," association President Sam Toia said. "We will remain diligent, helping employers to navigate the immediate challenges that come with rapidly changing situation."
Pritzker and Toia emphasized that they expect employees affected by the order would continue to get paid, though they also acknowledged it would hurt some workers and business owners.
"Every choice now is hard and it comes with real consequences for our residents," Pritzker said. "But as your governor, I cannot let the gravity of these choices prevent us from taking the actions that the science and the experts say will keep people safe."
The order didn't come as a complete surprise to Spiro Kondos, owner of Draft Picks sports bar and grill in Mount Prospect. Although he had a full bar Sunday afternoon, Kondos said it seemed like only a matter of time after the cancellation of sporting events and public gatherings.
"Is this the right decision? I'm not a doctor, but they have to take some type of drastic measures like this," he said. "Unfortunately, it's going to impact us tremendously."
Kondos said he would use the two weeks to clean the restaurant and find other ways to keep his 30 employees working.
"It's out of my control," he said.
At Countyline Tavern in Buffalo Grove, General Manager Mike Prusak said he's making plans to set up a curbside pickup program for customers.
"Obviously, it's not the best thing to happen to us, for sure," he said. "But I understand it's in the best interest of public health."
Officials said scenes of hundreds of revelers gathered at Chicago bars Saturday night to celebrate St. Patrick's Day weekend helped lead to Sunday's decision.
"I tried earlier this week to appeal to everyone's good judgment to stay home, to avoid bars, not to congregate in crowds. It's unfortunate that many people didn't take that seriously," Pritzker said.
Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said the 29 new infections disclosed Sunday include the first cases in Champaign, Clinton, Sangamon, Whiteside and Winnebago counties.
"The number of positive test results that we are getting each day is increasing exponentially, and the number of counties across Illinois is also expanding," Ezike said. "People should assume that this novel coronavirus is in their communities. And we all need to take steps to protect ourselves and reduce the spread."