Information in the COVID-19 pandemic is evolving rapidly, so to help keep WGN viewers informed with the latest updates, follow our live blog for April 7, 2020.
These updates will mostly focus on the Chicago area, but will include some national and international news as well.
Newest updates are at the top of this post.
6:20 p.m.
The mayor of Michigan City, Indiana has declared a curfew for the city.
The News-Dispatch reports Mayor Duane Parry declared a Public Health Emergency and ordered a curfew “that forbids anyone from being on the streets or “loitering in a vehicle” from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., effective Wednesday.”
There are exceptions which include essential business workers, government workers and health care worker.
More details at The New-Dispatch.
5:10 p.m.
U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley joined the WGN Evening News Tuesday to discuss President Donald Trump’s decision to remove a watchdog tasked with providing oversight of the $2.2 trillion economic package intended to help businesses and individuals affected by COVID-19.
4:07 p.m.
Chicago police officials said 112 members of the department have tested positive for COVID-19. Of the 112 members, 108 are sworn and four are civilian members.
2:45 p.m.
State health officials reported 1,287 new cases of COVID-19 and 73 additional related deaths in Illinois Tuesday, which Governor JB Pritzker said is the “largest single-day increase” in deaths to date.
“There are so many tragedies here,” Pritzker said. “Let these numbers today be a reminder that this pandemic is deadly serious, so stay at home.”
State health officials reported a total of 13,549 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 380 related deaths in 77 counties across Illinois.
More on the latest numbers here.
2:30 p.m.
1:30 p.m.
If you want to keep track of COVID-19 cases in Illinois, there is now a map by zip code of infections and deaths. For privacy reasons, areas with five cases or fewer are not recorded. Check our your neighborhood here
10:30 a.m.
Cook County Board President Preckwinkle was joined by Xochitl Flores, Bureau Chief of Economic Development, Calvin Holmes, CEO of Chicago Community Loan Fund, David Doig, President of Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives and member of the Southland Development Authority, and a small business owner impacted by COVID-19, to make an important announcement regarding relief efforts for small businesses and independent contractors due to COVID-19.
You can watch the announcement below:
9:30 a.m.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot signed an executive order Tuesday to ensure all COVID-related benefits offered by the City are available to Chicago’s immigrants and refugees.
9:20 a.m.
The Indiana State Department of Health announced Tuesday a state total of 5,507 coronavirus cases and 173 deaths.
Health officials are also seeking licensed healthcare workers who can volunteer to support our workers on the front lines.
7:07 a.m.
The Elgin Police Department announced that a second civilian employee tested positive for COVID-19. The employee’s last work day was March 18. The employee received a test on March 30 and was informed on April 5 that the test result was positive.
7 a.m.
The village of Melrose Park announced the 2020 Taste of Melrose Park has been cancelled “due to the uncertainty of the coronavirus and concern for people’s safety. More info here
