News Updates
This page contains previously-released information and news updates relating to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford Counties. For the most updated daily information on cases and statistics in the Tri-County area, please visit our main COVID-19 Page.
News Updates
- March 30, 2020 - Public Health Officials Announce 461 New Cases ofCoronavirus Disease in the State of Illinois
- The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 461 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois. Seven new deaths are also being reported, including the death of an incarcerated man from Stateville Correctional Center. A full press release from the Illinois Department of Public Health can be found here.
- March 30, 2020 - Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Releases Recommended Guidance for Preventing Spread of COVID-19 in Grocery Stones
- Grocery stores can play an important role in protecting their employees and customers fromCOVID-19 infections by following personal and environmental hygiene practices. The Illinois Department of Public Health have released guidance for grocery stores in the State of Illinois on how to take preventative actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to staff and customers. A full press release from IDPH can be found here.
- March 27, 2020 - UnityPoint Health Calls for Community Help with COVID-19
- UnityPoint Health has released information on how residents can help our healthcare workers continue to take care of patients across Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. UnityPoint Health is seeking donations of homemade masks, supply donations, and provider resources. A full press release with detailed information from UnityPoint Health can be found here.
- March 26, 2020 - UnityPoint Health Launches Local Respiratory Triage Call Center
- UnityPoint Health® – Central Illinois, has launched a local Respiratory Triage Call Center. If you believe you need to be tested for COVID-19, you can contact the Respiratory Referral Line at (309) 680-2850 for evaluation.The Call Center will be open from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. A press release with additional details from UnityPoint Health can be found here.
- March 24, 2020 - Peoria Public Schools announces schedule change for food distribution
- In order to reduce the number of trips our students and families have to take from their homes, Peoria Public Schools meal distribution days will be changing to a Monday, Wednesday and Friday schedule effective tomorrow, Wednesday, March 25th. The same amount of meals will still be distributed under this change, with two days’ worth of meals being given to students on Monday and Wednesday and one day of meals going out on Friday. A full press release with additional details from Peoria Public Schools can be found here.
- March 24, 2020 - Homemade Mask Donations
- The Peoria County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is directing all inquiries regarding homemade/hand-sewn masks to Heart of Illinois 2-1-1. If you or your group would like to donate, please call 2-1-1 or (309) 999-4029. We ask that you please do not make arrangements to drop off mask donations without contacting HOI 2-1-1 first, as their space and resources are limited and we do not want to overwhelm their employees. Thank you for your understanding.
- March 23, 2020 - Local Officials Issue Guidance on Essential Employees and Essential Services
- On Friday, March 20, 2020, Governor Pritzker issued executive order 2020-10 asking all Illinois residents to stay in their homes to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. The City of Peoria and Peoria County have issued a joint press release with some clarification on what their local governments deem an "Essential Business," "Essential Employees," or "Essential Services."
- To view the full press release, click here.
- March 22, 2020 - Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity offers clarity on "Essential Businesses"
- For companies or business owners with questions on what qualifies as an "Essential Business or Operation" under Governor JB Pritzker’s ’Stay at Home’ order, please call the DCEO Helpline at 1-800-252-2923 or email CEO.support@illinois.gov.
- Businesses in the Central Illinois area who have been impacted by COVID-19 can visit https://data.greaterpeoria.us/greater-peoria-covid/ for information and resources.
- March 21, 2020 - The Statewide ’Stay at Home’ Order is in effect starting at 5:00 p.m. today.
- FAQ Page from Governor Pritzker’s Office can be found here: FAQs about Shelter in Place Order
- March 20,2020 - Gov. Pritzker Announces Statewide Stay At Home Order to Maximize COVID-19 Containment, Ensure Health Care System Remains Fully Operational
- Governor Pritzker has issued a shelter in place order, effective from March 21, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. through the end of the Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation, which is currently April 7, 2020.
- Information about which "Essential Businesses" and "Essential Activities" that are exempt from the executive order can be found here.
- A signed copy of the Executive Order from the Governor’s Office can be found here.
- March 20, 2020 - Peoria County Courthouse Closed to the Public
- Chief Circuit Judge Paul Gilfillan has released additional public access restrictions at the Peoria County Courthouse for the weeks of March 23 and March 30, 2020. Additional information can be found here.
- Chief Circuit Judge Paul Gilfillan has released additional public access restrictions at the Peoria County Courthouse for the weeks of March 23 and March 30, 2020. Additional information can be found here.
- March 18, 2020 - Understanding COVID-19 Investigations
- The Peoria City/County Health Department has released information to help the public understand COVID-19 Investigations. As this COVID-19 virus spreads, our community should not be focused on whether they have been exposed, but act as though they have been exposed and take measures to decrease the transmission. A press release from the Peoria City/Health Department regarding COVID-19 investigations can be found here.
- March 18, 2020 - Peoria County, City of Peoria, Tazewell County, and Woodford County Issue Notice of Disaster Declarations; Government Buildings Now Closed to Public
- On March 18, 2020, the following government bodies issued disaster declarations and made the decision to close their government buildings to the public.
- City of Peoria:
- Peoria County:
- Tazewell County:
- Woodford County:
- On March 18, 2020, the following government bodies issued disaster declarations and made the decision to close their government buildings to the public.
- March 17, 2020 - Woodford County activates Emergency Operations Center
- As of 9:30 a.m. on March 17, the Woodford County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was activated. It will remain active with onsite or remote staffing as required until the Coronavirus Pandemic is under control. A full press release from the Woodford County Emergency Management Agency can be found here.
- March 17, 2020 - Public Health Officials Announce First Illinois Coronavirus Disease Death
- The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced the first death of an Illinois resident who tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The individual was a Chicago resident in her 60s who tested positive earlier this month and had contact with a known COVID-19 case. A full press release from the Illinois Department of Public Health can be found here.
- March 16, 2020 - First Positive COVID-19 Case in Peoria County
- A resident of Peoria County has tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The individual was screened over the phone and tested at home by OSF HealthCare. Public health officials were notified of a positive test, according to state and local public health protocol. The individual is currently recovering at home and is in isolation. A full press release from the Peoria City/County Health Department can be found here.
- A resident of Peoria County has tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The individual was screened over the phone and tested at home by OSF HealthCare. Public health officials were notified of a positive test, according to state and local public health protocol. The individual is currently recovering at home and is in isolation. A full press release from the Peoria City/County Health Department can be found here.