The coronavirus death toll in Europe has overtaken China's. Meanwhile, the U.S. government continues to send mixed signals: Yesterday, President Trump announced the Food and Drug Administration approved a treatment for COVID-19, shortly after the agency said that was not the case. In the Midwest, case counts continue to rise, as experts say community spread is happening.
Here's the latest from the region:
Illinois:
- Illinois’ case count is the highest in the Midwest with over 400 COVID-19 cases and three deaths.
- Health officials are asking for donations of face masks, respirators, and other equipment for hospital workers.
Indiana:
- On Friday, Gov. Holcomb pushed Indiana's primarly election to May 5 to June 2.
- In a sweeping list of changes Thursday, Gov. Eric Holcomb ordered all schools closed through May 1, banned utilities from turning off services, and halted evictions and foreclosures.
- The state suspended all Healthy Indiana Plan premium payments.
- An Indianapolis-area non-profit has created grant relief for artists during the outbreak.
Ohio:
- Some 20,000 barbers and hairstylists can’t access unemployment.
- Gov. Mike DeWine says judges should work to keep jail populations low.
- The Greater Columbus Arts Council announces emergency relief grants for artists.
Kentucky:
- Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order banning large group gatherings.
- The General Assembly has been closed for one week amid the outbreak.
Missouri:
- A VA patient tested positive for the virus.
- The University of Missouri banned employees working from campus without a permit.
Iowa:
- Gov. Kim Reynolds says she’s working to get additional test kits to the state.
- Filing and payment deadlines were extended for state income taxes.
UPDATE: As the case count continues to rise, information on this story is moving quickly and may be out-of-date. We recommend checking the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for ways to stay safe and this John Hopkins tool for the most recent data.
This story was produced by Side Effects Public Media, a news collaborative covering public health.
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