Community Corner
Coronavirus In IL: Here Are All The Cancellations, Closures
Major events are being called off as Illinois schools also announce closures and churches cancel weekend services amid COVID-19 fears.
ILLINOIS — As Illinois health officials reported the first cases of the new coronavirus outside of Cook County, major events have been canceled statewide. Multiple school districts have also closed over fears of coronavirus exposure.
After an NBA player tested positive for COVID-19, the league became the first to suspend its season. The NHL and MLB followed suit, and all events of 1,000 people or more have been canceled or postponed for 30 days. Authorities strongly recommend all events with more than 250 people be reconsidered and people in vulnerable populations refrain from gathering in groups larger than 10.
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Here's what's been canceled or closed so far in Illinois:
Gov. JB Pritzker orders all public and private schools across the state to close starting on Tuesday and continuing through March 30.
Archdiocese of Chicago Suspends Masses, Closes Catholic Schools
Archdiocese of Chicago suspends public celebration of Mass and closes Catholic schools starting March 14 to slow spread of coronavirus.
IL Coronavirus: State Capitol Closed, Postpones Session
According to a statement on the Illinois State Democrats website, the Senate had been scheduled to be in session March 18 through 20.
CME Group Closes Chicago Trading Floor
"CME Group today announced it will close its Chicago trading floor as of the close of business Friday, March 13, 2020, as a precaution to reduce large gatherings that can contribute to the spread of coronavirus in line with the advice of medical professionals."
Joe Biden Cancels Illinois Event Amid Coronavirus Fears
The Illinois event will become a "virtual event."
Willow Creek Cancels Services, 'Goes Online'
The megachurch's Care Center, which has a food pantry, will be offering drive-up grocery services for those in need.
Chicago Flower & Garden Show Canceled
The show, set for March 18-20 at Navy Pier, will not take place: "It is with great sadness that we are canceling this year's show. The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19, the Coronavirus, to be a global pandemic. The City of Chicago has canceled the St. Patrick's Day Parade. The City's health officials are encouraging people to avoid large groups at indoor events. We cannot ignore the advice of city leaders or the global health community. It would be irresponsible and dangerous."
McHenry Postpones ShamRocks Fest, Allows Open Carry Of Alcohol
In a move the city hopes will bolster business amid COVID-19 fears, open carry of alcohol will be allowed on downtown streets.
Coronavirus Fears: Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade Postponed
A day after saying it was still on, organizers opted to cancel the event, which draws thousands each year. Mayor Lori Lightfoot later said the event was just postponed, although no make-up date has been announced.
South Side Irish Parade Is Canceled Due To New Corona Virus
A beloved local event for more than 40 years, the neighborhood celebration has also been postponed.
Naperville Irish Parade Canceled
The city also canceled the annual St. Patrick's Day 5K out of "an abundance of caution."
St. Charles St. Patrick's Day Parade Canceled
The popular parade has been called off amid concerns over spread of COVID-19.
Dundee St. Patrick's Day Parade Canceled
Parade organizers say the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade may be rescheduled.
No Guests At Naval Station Great Lakes Graduation Ceremonies
Guests will not be allowed at graduation ceremonies at Naval Station Great Lakes starting March 13. Ceremonies will still be held but will be livestreamed on Facebook. "This action is being taken out of an abundance of caution, to both ensure the welfare of Sailors and that RTC can continue its essential mission of producing basically trained Sailors," the Navy Recruit Training Command said.
Organizers said the major event, set for March 15 to 17, has been canceled "after careful consideration."
Plumbers Union Local 130 Won't Dye Chicago River Green This Year
Another annual tradition has been called off.
DuPage Care Center Quarantined Over Coronavirus Concerns
Officials say no visitors will volunteers be allowed on the site and off-campus activities have been canceled for residents.
4th Chicago Conference Canceled Over Coronavirus
The World Congress of Cardiology and the International Housewares Association show, both set for McCormick Place, have been canceled, along with other large events.
The men's basketball team won't travel, and the women's team stopped hosting games over virus fears.
Special Olympics Illinois State Basketball Championships Canceled
The tournament was scheduled for this weekend at Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan University, in Bloomington/Normal. The Unified State Basketball Championships, scheduled to take place in Peoria, have also been canceled.
Northwestern University Cancels International Spring Break Trips, Dance Marathon
The 30-hour dance marathon is canceled, but fundraising will continue for Children’s Home & Aid and the Evanston Community Foundation.
American Lung Association Fight For Air Climb Called Off
"We deeply regret to inform you that the 2020 Fight For Air Climb - Chicago at Presidential Towers has been cancelled," organizers said of the March 8 event.
Italy Trips Cut Short By Universities
Loyola University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are bringing students home from study abroad trips in Italy.
The College of Lake County canceled its sustainability and geology spring trip to China.
U of I Canceling Spring Break Programs
In light of continuing COVID-19 risks, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is cancelling all international spring break programs sponsored by the university.
Chicago Children's Choir Cancels World Music Festival
The March 14 event at UIC Forum was canceled earlier this week.
Lincoln-Way Cancels Senior Citizen Breakfast Due To Coronavirus
The decision is a proactive approach and made at the recommendation of the Illinois State Board of Education.
Elmhurst District 205 Suspends Field Trips
The decision was made in light of coronavirus. District said it is monitoring developments.
Winnetka Suspends Public Meetings To Limit Coronavirus Exposure
All village meetings are canceled until further notice, village staff announced Wednesday.
Senior Center Closed Amid COVID-19 Concerns
Until further notice, all non-essential public meetings are canceled and the Highland Park Senior Center is closed, city staff announced.
Oswego Senior Center Suspending Group Activities
The Illinois Department on Aging is requesting all Area Agencies on Aging to immediately suspend all gathering activities placing our older adults at heightened risk including congregate meals and social activities conducted in group settings in response to Governor JB Pritzker declared state of emergency over the COVID-19.
School closures
Lake Forest Schools Close To Limit Spread Of Coronavirus
Classes are canceled Friday and e-learning is scheduled until April 5 at public schools in Lake Forest.
Deerfield, Highland Park Schools Close To Combat Coronavirus
Classes and events are canceled until further notice and schools are shifting to remote learning Monday, superintendents announced.
Coronavirus Closures: New Trier Area Schools Shift To E-Learning
Class is canceled Friday, and remote learning begins Monday at New Trier High School and Districts 36, 37, 38, and 39, administrators said.
Schools Close In Northbrook, Glenview To Limit Coronavirus Spread
Public school districts in Glenview and Northbrook announced schools will be closed until at least March 30.
Evanston Schools Close To Combat Coronavirus Spread
Evanston Township High School and District 65 schools are implementing to an e-learning plan until after spring break, which ends April 12.
Stevenson H.S. Closing Until At Least April 6
Classes are cancelled Friday and school officials will switch to e-learning days for its 4,200 students to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Hinsdale District 86 Closed After Student's Possible Coronavirus Exposure
Hinsdale High School District 86 is closing its schools Thursday because of a Hinsdale South student who may have been exposed to coronavirus. This decision affects Hinsdale Central, Hinsdale South and the Transition Center.
Possible Coronavirus Exposure: 2 D300 Schools Cancel Classes
Dundee-Crown High School and Perry Elementary School will be closed Thursday and Friday.
Amid Coronavirus Concerns, Lombard District 44 Cancels Classes
The district canceled classes Wednesday after someone who tested positive for COVID-19 attended a volleyball game at a middle school.
Palatine School Closes Thursday Over Virus Fears
Kirk School in Palatine will be closed Thursday after an employee's family member tested positive for COVID-19.
Coronavirus Closes 4th Chicago-Area School
Loyola Academy in Wilmette has canceled classes, along with Chicago schools Bernard Zell, Resurrection High School and Vaughn Occupational High School.
Other changes
The illness has also caused some polling places to change:
Voting Moved From Nursing Homes Due To Coronavirus Concerns
At least 15 suburban nursing homes have opted out of serving as Election Day polling places, and one early voting site has been shut down.
New Coronavirus Concerns To Close 39 City, Suburban Cook County Polling Places
Nursing homes that typically double as polling places on election day won't be tallying votes this year, as concern over the new coronavirus grows, city and county election officials told Patch.
Polling Places Moved From McHenry County Nursing Homes Amid Coronavirus Fears
Four McHenry County polling places will be moved from senior care facilities to alternate locations, county officials said.
Know of any cancellations we've missed? Let us know in the comments or email shannon.antinori@patch.com.
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