Good morning, Chicago. On Monday, Illinois public health officials reported 782 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 and 12 additional deaths. The state also reached its highest seven-day average for coronavirus vaccine doses administered. Officials reported that average of 102,147 coronavirus vaccine doses were administered daily over the last week, bringing the statewide total to 4,102,810.
Meanwhile, in the two weeks since tens of thousands of students began returning to CPS classrooms, more than a dozen pods of students have been placed in quarantine as a small number of isolated cases of the coronavirus have been identified. Use our tracker to see if cases have been reported in your school.
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Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration is set to add steps that will more gradually move the state from the coronavirus restrictions now in place to a full reopening, officials said Monday.
Illinois is in the fourth phase of the governor’s original reopening plan, with limits on crowds and indoor dining. The next phase has long promised a return to normal, when “all sectors of the economy reopen” and “conventions, festivals, and large events can take place.”
CVS starts administering COVID-19 vaccine at eight Illinois pharmacies, including one in Chicago
Cook County officials Monday kicked off a new outreach campaign to encourage residents to get a COVID-19 vaccine after a survey found that 46% of African Americans and 35% of Latinos in the county have doubts about getting the vaccine.
The “My Shot” campaign will feature county residents sharing their experience after getting the vaccine and the reason why they chose to get it, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said during a news conference Monday morning.
‘I don’t need the vaccine’: While polls find vaccine hesitancy falling overall, opposition among Republicans remains stubbornly strong
Plans to create 150 new marijuana stores, allow cannabis tours and make it a crime to get a pet sick from pot are among proposals Illinois lawmakers are expected to consider this spring. The proposed legislation comes as the state’s marijuana industry has undergone explosive growth, clearing $1 billion in sales in its first year, while minority and other new investors have gotten shut out of the process.
The coronavirus pandemic has been brutal for many small business owners. Retail shops, gyms and bars closed for months, while restaurants struggled to subsist on takeout. But even as many business owners closed their doors for good, others saw opportunities to start something new.
It was one year ago this day, March 16, 2020, that restaurants across Illinois went dark in the early fight against COVID-19. But some things didn’t change: People still found comfort and joy in food and dining.
That’s what we sought to celebrate with the 2020 Takeout Awards — this year’s pandemic friendly version of our annual Dining Awards. Our dining team has named its Critics Choice Award winners, but we want you, our readers to choose the city’s Best New Restaurant, Best Comfort Food, Best New Pizza and a host of other categories. Here’s how to vote.
Critics’ Choice Takeout Awards: Chicagoland’s essential hospitality workers — all of them — are our Person of the Year
Nick Kindelsperger’s last pre-pandemic meal: A comforting bowl of pozole in Logan Square as the world turned upside down
