Coronavirus in Illinois: Chicago Promises Stepped Up Enforcement, State Reports 2,450 New Cases

While state officials say that the curve of new coronavirus cases in Illinois is starting to flatten, the number of cases is continuing to go up, as 2,450 new cases were reported Saturday.

In all, more than 58,000 cases have been confirmed in the state since the pandemic began.

This news comes as officials in Chicago promise to step up enforcement efforts amid the pandemic, aimed at preventing large groups from gathering in defiance of the state’s “stay-at-home” order.

Here are the latest headlines from around Illinois on the coronavirus today (May 2):

City Officials Warn of Citations, Arrests for Those Defying Stay-at-Home Order

With temperatures expected to reach the 70s Saturday and Sunday, officials are informing residents that the state’s “stay-at-home” order will continue to be enforced, and that individuals should continue to practice social distancing and avoiding gathering in large groups.

Local

South Suburbs 5 hours ago

Shooting at Chicago Ridge Mall unfounded, police investigating incident as a prank

Crime and Courts 6 hours ago

Steger police searching for suspect after shooting victim seriously hurt

“We will shut you down, we will cite you, and if we have to, we will arrest you,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said. “Don’t make us treat you like a criminal, but if you act like a criminal and you violate the law and refuse to do what’s necessary to save lives in the middle of a pandemic, we will take you to jail. Period.”

The city issued more than 4,600 dispersal orders for large gatherings in the month of April, and reported 17 arrests.

State officials announced Friday that the McCormick Place alternative care facility would be phased out as a place for coronavirus patients as the curve flattens in the state. NBC 5's Mary Ann Ahern reports.

Illinois Reports 2,450 More Cases of Virus

More than 2,500 Illinois residents have now passed away from COVID-19, and the state reported 2,450 new cases of the virus on Saturday.

The state’s death toll due to COVID-19 cases now stands at 2,559, while the total number of cases now stands at 58,505, according to state data.

North Side Whole Foods Confirms Multiple Employees Tested Positive for COVID-19

Multiple employees of a North Side grocery store have tested positive for coronavirus, Whole Foods officials said Saturday.

The employees, who work at the Whole Foods location in the 1500 block of North Kingsbury in the city’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, are currently being quarantined, according to a company spokesman.