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Health officials say new antiviral COVID-19 pills will be available in Illinois this month

The state health department announced that two new COVID-19 oral antivirals, which have been shown to reduce hospitalizations, will be arriving in Illinois later this month. Paxlovid, made by Pfizer, and Molnupiravir, made by Merck, were both given emergency use authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in December. The antivirals are for those […]

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Illinois adopts CDC recommendation for COVID-19 booster shots for children ages 12-15

The Illinois Department of Public Health has adopted the CDC’s recommendation for children ages 12-15 to get their COVID-19 booster vaccine, the department announced. On Wednesday, the Center for Disease and Prevention Control (CDC) endorsed their Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ recommendation to expand eligibility of booster doses to those 12 to 15 years old. […]

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NWS issues winter weather advisory for blowing and drifting snow in northern Illinois

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for this evening into Wednesday in anticipation of blowing snow that could cause hazardous travel conditions. The advisory will go into effect at 9 p.m. Tuesday and end at 3 p.m. Wednesday. The advisory will cover portions of north-central and northeast Illinois, including Winnebago, Boone, […]

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Changes to electronic home monitoring take effect in Illinois allowing defendants to leave their homes

A portion of the Pretrial Fairness Act went into effect in Illinois at the beginning of this month, allowing defendants on electronic home monitoring to leave their homes twice a week. The act was passed in January 2021 by the Illinois legislature as part of the criminal justice reform bill, HB 3653. The Pretrial Fairness […]

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‘Our hospitals are still completely overwhelmed’: Illinois health officials report record COVID-19 patients in hospital

Illinois officials on Monday reported approximately 6,300 people with COVID-19 in Illinois hospitals, which is the most recorded during the pandemic. Governor JB Pritzker held a press conference Monday afternoon in Chicago to provide a COVID-19 update. “I wish I had better news to deliver about progress against Omicron. Unfortunately, we are reaching all-time record […]

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NWS issues winter storm warning for New Year’s Day snowstorm that will bring ‘swath’ of snow to northern Illinois

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the northern Illinois area as 4-9 inches of snow is expected on New Year’s Day along with high winds. The National Weather Service (NWS) said the warning will go into effect Saturday at noon and end at 6 a.m. Sunday. The warning will be […]

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Governor, hospital leaders urge hospitals in Illinois to pause elective surgeries during COVID-19 surge

Governor JB Pritzker and hospital leaders issued a joint statement urging hospitals to pause non-emergency surgeries to maintain hospital capacity as COVID-19 cases surge. Pritzker and the Illinois Health and Hospital Association said Thursday that they are urging hospitals to “take every possible measure” to maintain and expand bed capacity, including postponing non-emergency surgeries and […]

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More than 6 inches of snow, 40 mph winds expected during New Year’s Day snowstorm in Lake, McHenry counties

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch as much of the Chicago area, including Lake and McHenry counties, will see more than six inches of snow and possibly 40 mph winds on New Year’s Day. The National Weather Service (NWS) said the watch will go into effect Saturday morning through late Saturday […]