Governor ask that Illinois schools close until March 31

Earlier today, Illinois announced all schools K-12, both public and private in the state, will be closed through March 30 starting next Tuesday, March 17.

A little more than 24 hours before the governor's announcement, St. Joseph-Ogden CHSD #305 superintendent Brian Brooks sent a letter to parents outlining the districts plan to remain open, but to cancel extra-curricular events and field trip as of yesterday until Sunday, April 5.

In the statement from Brooks, he shared that SJO has begin working on an E-Plan for online/remote teaching should the governor is forced to extend the term of the closure in the interest of public safety and health. The Illinois State Board of Education is working with lawmakers to create a waiver system in order to expedite approval for schools in a similar situation that did not submit a plan at the beginning of the year for E-Learning.

Pritzker ordered the closing of every school in the state until March 30 starting Tuesday amid concerns over the spread of coronavirus pandemic. The number of confirmed cases in Illinois rose to 46 earlier today.

"All of these choices have cascading effects for citizens and vulnerable populations when it comes to food access, safety, childcare, and social services," Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said in a statement earlier today. "We’ve seen what happens in places that didn’t move with urgency. I ask all of you not to hesitate to do the right thing for your family, your friends, and your community. One small step at a time, we will get through this together."

The state's chief lawmaker hopes that social-distancing will slow the spread of the virus.

Almost two million students will not be returning to classrooms next week. This also means no practices for sport teams, practice for scholastic and performing arts groups and the postponement of meetings normally held on high school campuses around the state.

Other states and large cities around the country have announced school shutdowns this week over to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. DC, Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin have closed schools for until the end of the month or longer.

Earlier in the week, the governor called on the public to call off any event or gathering of 250 people or more. He also asked that all events with one thousand or more people in attendance be canceled or postponed immediately.

Wagner named Most-Valuable-Wrestler

Junior AJ Wagner was recognized as the program's most-valuable-wrestler at the Sports Awards Program held Tuesday night at St. Joseph-Ogden High School.

Wagner, who finished his junior season with a record of 42 wins and 10 losses, was a state finalist at 113-pounds. He also received the Iron Spartan Award as well as his varsity letter.

St. Joseph-Ogden's AJ Wagner is declared winning after a 5-1 decision over Mount Carmel's Cade Keepes at the IHSA state wrestling tournament on February 21, 2020. In addition to earning another varsity letter, Wagner earned the team's MVP award and the Iron Spartan Award. See more photos from his tournament appearance along with fellow Spartan Isaiah Immke here. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

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A few of Wagner's notable victories this season included a win over Deer Creek-Mackinaw's Payton Murphy and pinning PORTA's Jake Lieb.

The Spartan wrestler also bested Carlinville state-qualifier Jake Schwartz, who finished his season at 39-6, twice during the season, once at ABE's Rumble and the PORTA Invite.

Sophomore Conrad Miller earned the Most-Improved-Wrestler award.

Seniors Trevon Carr and Brodie Sullivan, seniors and both members of this year's playoff football squad were award varsity wrestling letters. Juniors letter winners, in addition to Wagner, included Isaiah Immke, Max Shonkwiler.

Additionally, three other underclassmen earned varsity letters along with Miller. Sophomores Chase Chapman and Isaiah Moore as well as freshman Owen Birt received letters for their efforts during the winter sports season.

25 cases of Coronvirus identifed in Illinois, thankfully none local

Earlier today, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially labeled the COVID-19 viral disease, also known as the Coronavirus/Corona Virus that has swept into at least 114 countries and killed more than 4,000 people, a pandemic event.

According to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus a Geneva briefing, "This is the first pandemic caused by coronavirus." Today's announcement is the first time the WHO has called an viral flu outbreak a pandemic since the H1N1 "swine flu" in 2009.

Over 120,000 confirmed cases have been identified and more than 4,000 deaths have occurred as the virus continues to spread around the globe. In the United States, there have been one thousand COVID-19 cases and 30 deaths reported so far. New York state, with one of the largest known virus clusters in the country, has set up a "containment area" around the city of New Rochelle. According to news sources, 108 cases have been confirmed in Westchester County, New York.

According to the IDPH website, testing has confirmed 25 cases in Illinois as of time of article. Two hundred and sixty-six tests were rule negative. The IDPH lists 76 test still pending.

Illinois residents can follow infection rates on the IDPH site on the Covid-19 Persons Under Investigation tracking page.

Symptoms, which has an incubation period of two to 14 days, may include fever, coughing and shortness of breath. Human coronaviruses can sometimes cause lower-respiratory tract illnesses, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. The virus is most commonly spread from an infected person to others through the air by coughing and sneezing close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands.

To avoid contracting the illness, the Center for Disease Control is recommending the people wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol and be sure to wipe all surfaces of your hands. Rub your hand together until they feel dry. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Since there is not a vaccine available or medicinal cure available at this time, the CDC also recommends avoiding close contact with people who are sick. People should do their best to put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting sick or with suppressed immune systems.

If you have any questions call 1-800-889-3931 to speak with an expert at the IDPH.