Coronavirus updates | UPDATED April 7
March 11, 2020
After coronavirus started its spread in late December, containment seemed impossible. As of March 11, the World Health Organization named the spread of the virus a pandemic.
On Jan. 24, the first coronavirus case was reported in Illinois. While no cases in Champaign County have been reported at this time, the University and its surrounding community college have taken precautionary measures in case the virus reaches the area.
UPDATED April 7, 8:00am.
Below are ongoing reports The Daily Illini has published regarding the coronavirus. You can reach out via email at [email protected] or Tweet us @thedailyillini. Got a tip? Submit it here.
Champaign County man dies from coronavirus | The Daily Illini
COVID-19 has taken its first life from Champaign County. A Champaign County resident in his 80s has died from the coronavirus, Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Administrator Julie Pryde announced Monday afternoon in a Facebook video update. Pryde said the man had underlying health conditions.…
University team creates emergency ventilator amid shortage
The Illinois RapidVent team has created a prototype emergency ventilator to counteract the COVID-19 pandemic. The United States is under a ventilator shortage, and many hospitals are in need of supplies. “The goal of the project has been to develop, design and prototype goods so that we could hopef…
Students adjust to self-quarantine
Not long ago, Champaign-Urbana was a bustling college town with students flooding the bars, grabbing a bite to eat with friends and tossing a ball around on the Main Quad. But these days, following the shutdown of the University and the stay-at-home order, the streets are somber, a ghost town. This …
University Housing provides alternate care facilities for Carle
The University has entered an agreement with the Carle Health System to provide alternate care facilities at the Activities and Recreation Center, Bousfield Hall and Wassaja Hall in preparation for a predicted spike in COVID-19 cases. Bousfield Hall will be used to house medical personnel and Wassa…
Champaign police officer tests positive for COVID-19
A Champaign police officer has tested positive for COVID-19. The city of Champaign confirmed the case in a news release on Thursday night. While the officer’s condition does not require hospitalization, the officer is self-isolating at home. In order to maintain the individual’s privacy, the city …
University summer courses to be conducted remotely
All University summer courses will be conducted remotely this year in response to the coronavirus pandemic, administration announced Thursday in a Massmail. The announcement comes three weeks after the University began transitioning spring semester courses to online formats. “We know that this decis…
University offers online counseling to students
On March 16, the University Counseling Center announced it will immediately switch to a phone triage system until online counseling is launched. Students that are under the University’s United Healthcare can now access online counseling through third-party counseling services. Those that do not have…
Student workers lack certainty on jobs, payment
Many University student workers feel uncertain about the future of their employment and compensation.
Following the closure of a majority of University facilities due to COVID-19, many students have been temporarily left without a job.
Following the closure of a majority of University facilities due to COVID-19, many students have been temporarily left without a job.
University revises academic policy for remainder of semester
On March 16, the University suspended all in-person classes for the rest of the spring semester due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Students have been calling for grading scale changes after the academic alteration.
Grainger, Carle Health design emergency ventilator
After an intense week of work, a team from Grainger and Carle Health has developed a prototype for an emergency ventilator to aid in the national crisis of ventilator shortages.
Students call for cancellation of spring semester
Dozens of University students and RSOs endorsed a letter addressed to the University administration. The letter calls for adjustments to the remainder of the semester due to problems that many low-income students face.
COVID-19 cases, closures and cancellations: a running list by The Daily Illini
On Thursday, the United States surpassed China as the world leader in confirmed COVID-19 cases. Here’s a rundown of nationwide, statewide and localized numbers for readers of The Daily Illini, along with virus-related closures, cancellations and postponements.
Education fund organization releases tips for student loans during coronavirus
After President Donald Trump signed a $2 trillion relief bill Friday afternoon, the U.S. PIRG Education Fund released a number of tips to help students navigate their student loans.
Carle begins limited testing for the coronavirus
Carle Foundation Hospital began providing limited on-site testing for the COVID-19 disease on Friday.
Travel bans, restrictions restrain students’ break plans
University students were forced to make a decision to drop or to continue their spring break plans as the coronavirus escalated. Many students decided to stick with their plans, while others decided it was best to stay home to avoid highly infected destinations.
University introduces credit/no-credit option for classes
The University has implemented new academic policies for the 2020 spring semester since classes are online for the rest of the year, Provost Andreas Cangellaris announced Tuesday in a Massmail
MTD continuing service, providing free bus rides
The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District will continue to operate at a reduced level of service through Illinois' shelter-in-place order.
Students petition for rescheduled commencement, universal pass for classes
On Wednesday, a petition began to circulate on social media urging the University to reschedule the Class of 2020 commencement ceremony.
Coronavirus prevents students from returning home
With coronavirus concerns on the rise, many international students were unable to travel home over break. Various travel bans prevented students’ returns to areas considered high-risk for the virus.
University implements COVID-19 pay protocol for employees
The University ensured its employees that their pay and benefits will not be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in a Massmail on Sunday.
COVID-19 confirmed in two University employees
COVID-19 has arrived on the University campus. Two University employees have contracted COVID-19, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District announced Saturday.
COVID-19 forces early return of students studying abroad
Nearing the end of 2019 fall semester, Kailey Bambula, junior in LAS, was preparing for an exciting semester abroad in Florence, Italy. Across the Pacific in Wuhan, China, a new virus causing a pneumonia-like illness began to emerge.
University Housing move-out deadline moved to Saturday after stay-at-home order
In response to Gov. J.B. Pritzker's stay-at-home order, which starts Saturday and will last until April 7, students in University Housing must move out by 2 p.m. Saturday. University Housing Move-Out will be available Saturday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Illinois governor issues stay-at-home order statewide
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker mandated 12.7 million state residents to stay at home for all non-essential activities at a press conference Friday afternoon.
The “shelter-in-place order” officially begins Saturday at 5 p.m. and will last through April 7.
The “shelter-in-place order” officially begins Saturday at 5 p.m. and will last through April 7.
Shelter-in-place order expected for Illinois
Gov. J.B. Prtizker is expected to issue a shelter-in-place order for the entire state starting Saturday, the Chicago Tribune reported Friday.
Carle Hospital launches new coronavirus screening tools
Carle Hospital launched two new screening tools that would help patients determine if they need further assistance when experiencing symptoms of coronavirus.
Small businesses could loan up to $2 million in “disaster assistance” if policy passes
In order to assist small businesses who are facing financial hardships during the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration has planned to file for statewide eligibility in a federal loan program, a press release stated.
Commencement canceled due to COVID-19
University commencement has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, UI President Tim Killeen announced Tuesday afternoon in a Massmail.
Chancellor cancels in-person instruction, calls for students to return home
The University is suspending all in-person instruction for the rest of the spring semester and is requiring all students “who can safely do so” to return to their permanent addresses, according to Chancellor Robert Jones in a Massmail on Monday evening.
Pritzker holds press conference on COVID-19 updates
On Monday, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker held a press conference at the State Emergency Operations Center in Springfield to update the public on state decisions regarding COVID-19.
Krannert Art Museum closes after COVID-19 confirmed in Champaign County
The Krannert Art Museum will be closed to the public effective immediately, according to a press release sent by the museum. The decision is based off the announcement that Champaign County had its first documented case of COVID-19.
Illinois governor orders closure of bars, restaurants statewide
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker will order all Illinois bars and restaurants to close at the end of Monday’s business day to slow the spread of COVID-19. The closures will last until at least March 30. Drive-through, delivery and curbside pickup options will still be available to customers.
Maize Mexican Grill announces free meals for kids
Maize Mexican Grill announced Saturday in a Facebook post that they will be providing free lunch meals to all kids due to the closing of local schools. Maize at the Station will be serving free meals from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Coronavirus case confirmed in Champaign County
9:00 p.m. Local health administrators came together on Sunday afternoon to discuss the area’s first case of COVID-19. The Champaign County woman who contracted coronavirus had come in contact with someone who had recently traveled back from Italy.
Peoria, Mattoon report coronavirus cases
A patient in Mattoon has tested positive for coronavirus late Friday night, according to the Journal Gazette & Times-Courier. According to the news article, the patient was treated in an emergency room at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.
Governor cancels schools statewide to curb coronavirus
On Thursday, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker ordered all state pre-K and K-12 schools to close to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. The closures start on Tuesday and will last until at least March 30. The closures apply to both public and private schools. The Illinois State Board of Educatio…
Several events postponed, canceled due to coronavirus
As a number of schools around the world cancel or shift to online courses, several events around campus have been canceled or postponed due to the threat of the coronavirus. State Farm Center The State Farm Center announced Friday several upcoming events have been canceled or postponed.
Ebertfest canceled over coronavirus concerns
The 2020 Roger Ebert’s Film Festival has been canceled due to coronavirus concerns, festival director Nate Kohn announced Thursday. Originally set for April 15-18, 2020, the festival is now slated for April 14-17, 2021, at Champaign’s Virginia Theatre.
All University study abroad programs canceled
An email sent out to all study abroad students stated that all international programs will be canceled beginning Saturday. The University is requiring all students to leave their programs immediately.
St. Patrick’s Day parade postponed due to coronavirus
Originally scheduled for Tuesday from 5-7 p.m., the Rewind 92.5 World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be postponed due to threats of the coronavirus. The Urbana Business Association decided to postpone but has not come up with a new date for the parade.
Local leaders issue statement about coronavirus
Local government leaders released a statement Thursday regarding the coronavirus and its impact on the area. They stated they are aware the virus will impact the community and are committed to the health, safety and welfare of the community.
Siblings, Moms weekend canceled due to coronavirus
Siblings Weekend and Moms Weekend, originally scheduled for end of March and early April, have been canceled due to the threat of coronavirus, according to the Frequently Asked Questions page on the University’s coronavirus information page.
President suspends US travel to, from Europe
For the next 30 days, people will not be able to travel to and from Europe, according to an announcement made by President Donald Trump Wednesday evening.
UI system announces switch to online classes
The University of Illinois System has announced that courses will be transitioned to online starting March 23 until further notice. Campus will continue to stay open, including housing and dining halls.
Big Ten announces limited attendance for sporting events
The Big Ten conference has announced it will be limiting attendance at competitions starting Thursday. Only student-athletes, coaches, event staff, essential team and Big Ten conference staff, TV network partners, credentialed media and immediate family members of the participating teams will be allowed into events, according to a statement distributed Wednesday evening.
National basketball tournaments to be played without fans NCAA announces Wednesday
The men’s and women’s NCAA Tournaments will be played without fans, the NCAA announced Wednesday, in response to growing concerns over the coronavirus. Only essential staff, coaches and limited family members will be able to attend this year’s tournaments.
Parkland Community College prepares with online classes due to coronavirus
An announcement from Parkland Community College’s president Tom Ramage informed students that many courses will be shifted online after March 23. However, this is not a campus closure. The online course plan will be implemented until April 3 and the college will continue to evaluate as new information.
Attorney General releases alert on coronavirus scams
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul released a statement Tuesday urging Illinois residents to practice caution and be aware of possible online scams for coronavirus “cures” or “miracle” products.
NCAA releases statement on potential conference tournament cancellations amid COVID 19 outbreak
The NCAA released a statement Tuesday emphasizing athletic conferences’ ability to make their own decisions when suspending and/or canceling regular and post-season play, including league tournaments, in response to coronavirus outbreaks across the country.
Students in Europe “strongly advised to depart” countries
Students studying abroad in Europe were sent an email Tuesday strongly advising them to return back to the United States. The University is not suspending programs at this time and is not requiring students to depart.
University releases updated guidance for coronavirus outbreak
The University of Illinois Office of Student Affairs released a statement Tuesday afternoon urging students to take precautionary measures before leaving campus for spring break March 14-22. The University has not canceled or suspended class activities at this time.
Keeping clear of coronavirus
With the outbreak of the coronavirus starting in December from the Wuhan province of China, taking cautious actions to protect the immune system has become a prominent priority.
International, domestic University spring break trips canceled
As the coronavirus continues to spread, the University has decided to cancel all international and domestic spring break trips, according to a Massmail sent to students, faculty and staff Thursday.
Starbucks halts use of personal cups at stores due to coronavirus
On Wednesday, Starbucks announced it is suspending the use of personal cups and tumblers at its stores for the time being nationwide, according to a report by WGN News.
Students, staff, faculty in South Korea required to leave due to coronavirus threats
After it was announced that students studying in Italy must return home because of the coronavirus, a message from Chancellor Jones Monday stated that students and faculty in South Korea must also return.
Coronavirus threat requires students in Italy to depart immediately
All University students studying abroad in Italy are required to depart the country as soon as possible for the remainder of the spring semester. They may return to the U.S., their home country or travel somewhere else.
Child in CU area suspected of having coronavirus
One person in the Champaign-Urbana area is suspected of having the coronavirus after the U.S Center for Disease Control and Prevention expanded what they consider a “person under investigation” over the weekend, according to a report by The Center Square.
