CHICAGO — An elderly resident of a suburban Chicago nursing home where dozens of residents and staffers tested positive for the coronavirus has died, officials said.
The death of the 90-year-old woman who lived at Chateau Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Willowbrook comes as a top official at the facility denied a contention made by a former certified nursing assistant that she had quit her job because there were not enough protective gear and appropriate cleaning supplies.
“I took pictures of our supply of gloves and masks and gowns and goggles and face shields and hand sanitizers and there is no shortage," Ron Nunziato, CEO of Extended Care Living LLC, which manages the facility, told the Chicago Tribune.
But Tonya Davis said she left her job after she was unable to get even the most basic of supplies. “They didn't (give) me anything, really," she told the paper. “Just gloves. My face mask, I got at another facility.”
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Davis said she tested negative for the virus.
On March 14, a day after the DuPage County facility announced that it would not allow visitors, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a confirmed case of COVID-19 at the facility. Days later, the governor announced there were 22 confirmed cases of the virus, and the number has since increased to 46 cases — 33 residents and 13 staff members.
Of that group, six residents have been taken to area hospitals, while the rest are being kept in isolation.
Those figures reflect what is going on across the country. For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.
The new coronavirus has caused a global pandemic that has sickened more than 438,000, killed at least 19,600 worldwide, crippled economies and forced restrictions on the movement of millions of people in an effort to stop the virus from spreading further and overwhelming health care systems.
Prosecutors, defense attorneys and judges have been working to get some Cook County Jail detainees released and away from people who may be carrying the virus. The sheriff who runs the jail said late Tuesday that he was taking steps to address concerns raised by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and others about the possibility that the process may risk the infection of people outside the jail.
In a news release, Sheriff Tom Dart’s office said that all people being released are having their temperature taken to “make sure no release is leaving with flu-like symptoms.” Also, the jail is working with various health departments to find appropriate housing for anyone ordered released who has symptoms, he said.
The comments from Dart come after a judge called for the review of thousands of criminal cases in the hopes of reducing the jail population to help prevent the virus' spread.
Dart's office said that a total of three detainees and three staffers at the jail had tested positive for the virus.
It was not immediately clear exactly how many detainees have been released as part of the new hearing process, but on Wednesday the jail held 5,306 detainees, compared with 5,427 on Monday.
Gallery: COVID-19 infects NWI, Region reacts
Blood donations at Community Healthcare System
Donor specialist Nina Wright, left, prescreens Tony Hanas, of Munster, Friday prior to his blood donation at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts.
Drivers keep on trucking through coronavirus crisis, keeping groceries on the shelves
Daniel Villanueva, of Goling, Missouri wears a mask as he stops Friday for fuel at Love’s Travel Center in Gary. Trucking serves as a lifeline during the pandemic, transporting necessary equipment and supplies to businesses throughout the county.
Drivers keep on trucking through coronavirus crisis, keeping groceries on the shelves
Miguel Muniz, of Hobart, wears a mask as he stops to fuel his truck at Love’s Travel Center in Gary.
Panera breaks bread with needy
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana employee Raymond Mack, left, accepts a food donation Friday from Panera employees Brandon Tooley and Derrick Halford, right.
Aylesworth Elementary School in Portage teachers and staff parade through the neighborhoods in their district
Aylesworth Elementary School students wave as Portage teachers and staff from their school parade past their home to show support and love as they finish their school year from home during coronavirus social distancing. From left is Matt Stifal, Fiona Stifal, 10(4th grade), Avery Stifal, 8(2nd grade), their mom, Lisa Stifal, who is a second grade teacher’s assistant at Aylesworth. “I miss the kids just as much as teacher’s do,” Lisa said.
Aylesworth Elementary School in Portage teachers and staff parade through the neighborhoods in their district
Aylesworth Elementary School students wave as Portage teachers and staff from their school parade past their home to show support and love as they finish their school year from home during coronavirus social distancing. From left is Fiona Stifal, 10, Avery Stifal, 8, their mom, Lisa Stifal, who is a second grade teacher’s assistant at Aylesworth, and Jasper Stifal, 7.
Aylesworth Elementary School in Portage teachers and staff parade through the neighborhoods in their district
Katie Rybeki, a teacher’s aide at Aylesworth Elementary School in Portage, tapes stars and signs to her sister Caryn’s car Thursday as they prepare for a parade of teachers and staff. Caryn Rybeki is a fourth grade teacher at Aylesworth.
Aylesworth Elementary School in Portage teachers and staff parade through the neighborhoods in their district
Portage’s Aylesworth Elementary School teachers and staff parade through the neighborhoods in their district to show support and love for their students as they finish their school year from home during coronavirus social distancing.
First Responders Honor Methodist’s Northlake Campus Front Line Employees
Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus health care workers cheer a passing Lake Ridge Volunteer Fire Department rig as it passes by the hospital Wednesday.
First Responders Honor Methodist’s Northlake Campus Front Line Employees
Police units from Gary and other departments pass by Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus Wednesday to honor the hospital's health care workers.
First Responders Honor Methodist’s Northlake Campus Front Line Employees
Gary police officer Jamal Milton records the first responders parade in front of the Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus Wednesday.
City of Hobart shows support for healthcare workers
St. Mary Medical Center staff members wave to passing emergency vehicles Wednesday as the City of Hobart shows its support for all the health care workers.
City of Hobart shows support for healthcare workers
Brittany Smith waves to her toddler son Declan Wednesday at St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart. She won't be able to hold him until she gets home to change clothes. He is held by his aunt Brooke Stelter along with his father Andrew Smith.
City of Hobart shows support for health care workers
Toddler Declan Smith tries to get to his mother Brittany Smith following a parade at St. Mary Medical Center. Brittany won't be able to hold him until she gets home to change clothes. He is held by his aunt Brooke Stelter along with his father Andrew Smith.
Sebo's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center hosts a family drive-by parade
Residents of Sebo's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Hobart wave to their families Wednesday at a drive-by parade.
Sebo's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center hosts a family drive-by parade
Residents of Sebo's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Hobart are wheeled outside Wednesday so their families can parade by in cars to greet them.
Parade helps keep nursing home families connected
Tammy Gordon has a poster all ready for her grandfather Joe Vecchio at Sebo's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Hobart. A parade of cars passed by so residents could see their relatives Wednesday.
Tennis
Chong MacDonald, of Dyer, returns a tennis ball to her husband, Peter, on Monday at Dyer's Northgate Community Park.
Making the most of it
Kathy Miller, of Dyer, pets her dog, Harlow, on Monday as playtime ensues at the dog park on Monday at Dyer's Central Park. Miller was one of many in the Region who got outside Monday for recreational activity.
First responders recognize north Lake County health care workers
Health care workers watch a parade of first responders outside the north side of Community Hospital in Munster on Sunday.
First responders recognize north Lake County health care workers
Firefighters from multiple agencies in Lake County and the south suburbs of Chicago joined a procession of first responders around Community Hospital in Munster on Sunday.
First responders recognize north Lake County health care workers
Steven Preslin, retired Munster firefighter, used some creative personal protective equipment while photographing first responders parading outside Community Hospital on Sunday.
First responders recognize north Lake County health care workers
From left, Juanita Dortch, Katie Novosel and Michelle Geissler, X-ray technicians at Community Hospital, take a selfie together with first responders in the background on Sunday in Munster. Police and firefighters from north Lake County and several Illinois agencies paraded around the hospital to recognize the health care workers.
Ventilators arrive at Gary/Chicago International Airport
Workers unload ventilators Saturday at Gary/Chicago International Airport. Indiana District 1 Emergency Operations Center/Multi-Agency Coordination Center received the shipment of critical care ventilators from General Motors and Ventec Life Systems.
Ventilators arrive at Gary/Chicago International Airport
Workers inspect ventilators that were part of a shipment Saturday for Indiana District 1 Emergency Operations Center/Multi-Agency Coordination Center at Gary Chicago International Airport. The ventilators from General Motors and Ventec Life Systems were manufactured in Kokomo and will be distributed to local hospitals.
Crown Point parents will be distributing lawn signs and red light bulbs
Crown Point High School senior Abby Jankowski, left, stops to pick up a red light bulb Saturday in the parking lot of the Crown Point Public Library. Crown Point parents distributed light bulbs and some lawn signs to families and the greater Crown Point community to give seniors a celebratory send off during the coronavirus.
Crown Point parents will be distributing lawn signs and red light bulbs
Barb Kortokrax picks up red light bulbs from Jenni Pause on Saturday in the parking lot of the Crown Point Public Library. The Crown Point parents distributed lawn signs and red light bulbs to families and the greater Crown Point community to give seniors a celebratory sendoff.
Good Friday service at SS Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church
Rev. Ted Poteres reads from the Bible to a nearly empty santuary during Good Friday services at SS Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Merrillville. The service was live streamed to members in accordance with rules about gathering in public.
Good Friday service at SS Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church
Assisted by Nick Kavadas, left, and chanter Charlie Pilatos, right, Rev. Ted Poteres removes the body of Christ from the cross during Good Friday services at SS Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Merrillville. The service was livestreamed to members in accordance with rules about gathering in public.
LaPorte County first responders salute health care workers
A "Heroes at Work" sign is posted outside La Porte Hospital.
Laporte County first responders salute healthcare workers
Kaelynn Deckard and her children Mason, 5, left, and Kendel, 9, greet first responders as they enter the La Porte Hospital campus.
Salute to hospital workers
Health care workers at Franciscan Health hospital in Michigan City wave to first responders Thursday as they drive past during a parade. The LaPorte County Fire Chief's Association coordinated a show of appreciation to honor the workers.
Salute to hospital workers
Emergency vehicles visit Franciscan Health hospital in Michigan City Thursday night as part of the LaPorte County Fire Chiefs Association’s show of appreciation to honor health care workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic event.
Salute to hospital workers
Health care workers at Franciscan Health hospital in Michigan City stand outside the main entrance Thursday as a parade of emergency vehicles drives past as part of the LaPorte County Fire Chiefs Association show of appreciation.
More must be done before NWI economy can be safely reopened, health officials say
Dana Bachman, of the Indiana State Department of Health, bags a test sample Thursday at a COVID-19 drive-thru testing site at St. Timothy Community Church in Gary.
More must be done before NWI economy can be safely reopened, health officials say
Christine Demo, left, and Rebekah Polite, of the Indiana State Department of Health, work at a drive-thru testing site Thursday at St. Timothy Community Church in Gary.
More must be done before NWI economy can be safely reopened, health officials say
Dana Bachman, of the Indiana State Department of Health, takes a swab from Annie Cotton, of Hammond, at a COVID-19 drive-thru testing clinic Thursday at St. Timothy Community Church in Gary.
More must be done before NWI economy can be safely reopened, health officials say
Rebekah Polite, left, and Dana Bachman, of the Indiana State Department of Health, wait for people at a drive-thru COVID-19 testing clinic Thursday at St. Timothy Community Church in Gary.
More must be done before NWI economy can be safely reopened, health officials say
Rebekah Polite, of the Indiana State Department of Health, talks to a motorist Thursday during drive-thru testing for COVID-19 at St. Timothy Community Church in Gary.
food distribution at Gary West Side
Elizabeth Summers reaches for bags containing meals as she and others distribute food to members of the community at West Side Leadership Academy Tuesday morning.
food distribution at Gary West Side
Dora Walker keeps track of meals distributed at West Side Leadership Academy Tuesday.
food distribution at Gary West Side
Sharon Carr helps load meals on a Gary School bus Tuesday at West Side Leadership Academy. A fleet of Gary Community School Corp. buses delivered meals in 45-minute increments to two dozen locations across the city while students continue remote learning through the end of the school year.
food distribution at Gary West Side
Sharon Carr delivers bags containing breakfast and lunch to the front of the bus for distribution Tuesday at West Side Leadership Academy.
Gift card giveaway
Dave Sisk, of United Way of LaPorte County, left, presents Shirley Lewis, of LaPorte, with a $20 gift card Tuesday at Al's Supermarket in LaPorte.
Porter Cty recognizing health care providers
Employees at Porter Regional Hospital gather near the main entrance to see the Porter County fire departments, EMS providers and law enforcement agencies who recognized health care workers for their services during the pandemic.
Porter Cty recognizing health care providers
Sean Dardeau, CEO for Porter Health Systems, holds a sign as Porter County fire departments, EMS providers and law enforcement agencies gathered recently at Porter Regional Hospital to recognize health care workers for their services during the pandemic.
Porter Cty recognizing health care providers
Porter County fire departments, EMS providers and law enforcement agencies gathered recently at Porter Regional Hospital to recognize health care workers for their services during the pandemic.
Calumet City home
A home at the corner of Wentworth Avenue and Waltham Street in Calumet City features a yard display reading "We're all in this together" while recognizing different agencies and industries in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
"Dragside" pickup
Jayda Pill waves to motorists as they wait for curbside pickup on Saturday outside Fiddlehead in Michigan City.
"Dragside" pickup
Dena Love Richards-Stratton brings a takeout meal to a vehicle waiting outside Fiddlehead on Saturday in Michigan City.
"Dragside" pickup
Jayda Pill, left, and Wilma Fingerdo check on customers and their pickup orders on Saturday outside Fiddlehead in Michigan City. The restaurant had drag queens help bring curbside takeout food to customers.
Easter bunny
Lakes of the Four Seasons Volunteer Fire Department personnel paraded around Winfield with the Easter bunny in tow on Saturday.
Fr. James Wozniak blesses baskets
The Rev. James Wozniak of St. Matthias Church in Crown Point blessed Easter Baskets Saturday from the porch of the church rectory. Not all who came had baskets, but received a blessing just the same.
No Stations of the Cross at Shrine of Christ's Passion
During past Good Fridays, this pathway at the Shrine of Christ's Passion would be packed with hundreds of worshippers for the annual Stations of the Cross ceremonial trek.
Recreation or risk? Golf courses face mounting pressure as coronavirus fears rise
A sign encourages social distancing near a walking path by the Schererville Community Center.
Recreation or risk? Golf courses face mounting pressure as coronavirus fears rise
Golfers use wet wipes on golf carts before setting out on Oak Knoll Golf Course on Friday in Center Township.
Indiana State Department of Health releases updated coronavirus data Wednesday
Missie Layman, a nurse with the Indiana State Department of Health, works at a drive-thru coronavirus testing site in April at Merrillville High School.
Stay home, Michigan City
A chalk sign in the window display at Patina Vintage Goods reads "Be well, Michigan City, stay home."
Weddings getting postponed until next year as Region wedding industry reels after COVID-19 outbreak
Renee Fennell, owner of Renee's Paris House of Bridal, stands among rows of wedding dresses at the Michigan City shop.
Weddings getting postponed until next year as Region wedding industry reels after COVID-19 outbreak
A heart featuring sticky notes thanks first responders and other community members in the window display at Renee's Paris House of Bridal in Michigan City.
Police enforce stay-at-home order against church
Two Hammond police vehicles wait outside The Church of Christ in April in Hammond ahead of a scheduled 5 p.m. service. Police ticketed the church after elders refused to disperse a congregation of more than 30 congregants earlier in the day.
Albanese candy pickup
Izzy Gonzales, retail store supervisor for Albanese Confectionary Group, delivers Easter candy to cars in a drive-thru setup outside the factory on Sunday in Merrillville.
Albanese candy pickup
Albanese Confectionary Group workers bring takeout orders to customers outside the factory on Sunday in Hobart.
Orville Redenbacher statue
A colorful face mask was knitted for the Orville Redenbacher statue in Valparaiso's Central Park.
Rosewood dinners donated to Portage HS students
Juan Contreas, a cook at Rosewood restaurant in South Haven carries spaghetti dinners to be loaded and delivered as the local eatery donated 150 dinners to Portage High School students and delivered them with help from 7 local volunteers.
Rosewood dinners donated to Portage HS students
Nicole Sliger, of Valparaiso, left, and Emily Evans, of Portage bag spaghetti dinners at the Rosewood restaurant Friday in South Haven. Sliger organized the event with Rosewood donating 150 spaghetti dinners that were delivered to Portage High School students with help from 7 local volunteers.
Crown Point free pantry lineup forms long before giveaway begins
City workers and volunteers sort food items into boxes Friday at Crown Point's drive-thru pantry at Bulldog Park.
The City of Crown Point is partners with Sysco Chicago to offer a free drive-thru pantry
Jennie Burgess, left, hands eggs to Karen Marben Friday at Crown Point's drive-thru pantry at Bulldog Park.
Crown Point free pantry lineup forms long before giveaway begins
Crown Point Clerk-Treasurer Dave Benson prepares to load food into a car Friday at the drive-thru pantry at Bulldog Park.
Inspirational pictures
Sofia Infusino, 6, of Dyer, holds up a pair of her paintings created for intensive care unit patients at Franciscan Health Crown Point. On the left is a beanstalk and on the right is a cactus, Infusino said. Her father is the director of the ICU, and has distributed her artwork to patients there.
VKF Renzel unveils new protective box to keep paramedics safe during COVID-19 pandemic
Lt. Paramedic Ryan Cusack demonstrates how an isolation box would be used on a patient to protect emergency personnel from possible contamination. The box was fabricated by VKF Renzel USA Corp., a local company, with the help of first responders.
Sanitization
Crown Point Fire Department Assistant Chief Mark Baumgardner uses a spray gun to spray the inside of an ambulance as part of the department's sanitization routine.
Carryout for a cause
Doc's Smokehouse managers Meghan Sasse, left, Ceasar Douglas, center, and Casey McDaniel, right, load vehicles full of boxed BBQ lunches that were donated Thursday to feed front-line COVID-19 health care workers in the Region. The Dyer-based business made several deliveries Thursday, including hospitals in Dyer and Munster.
Feeding the front lines
Amy Braasch, left, emergency room manager for Franciscan Health hospital in Dyer, and Michaela Vuckovic, an ER tech at the hospital, receive boxed lunches donated Thursday to front-line COVID-19 workers by Dyer-based Doc's Smokehouse and several sponsors.
Masked benefactor
Doc's Smokehouse co-owner Brent Brashier sports a BBQ-themed surgical mask while donating boxed lunches from his Dyer business to front-line health care providers at Franciscan Health in Dyer.
CP Strong
Megan Thompson of Cedar Lake and her five-year-old son Clint post the message "CP Strong" in front of the Old Crown Point Courthouse to help lift spirits in the region.
Franciscan Health Crown Point message
The message "Our Heroes Wear Scrubs" is displayed in front of Franciscan Health Crown Point. The message was created by Sign Gypsies NWI.
Plenty of doughnuts, plenty of thanks for Franciscan medical staff
Pastor Mark Wilkins, left, of First United Methodist Church of Crown Point, helps Franciscan Health Crown Point employees Marisa Fisher and Lori Keck unload doughnuts for the hospital staff. The more than 700 doughnuts were donated to thank them for all they have done in the COVID-19 crisis. The donations were made with the help of View Outdoor Advertising and Rise'n Roll Bakery.
Sewers stitch together community to bring masks to the Region
Dr. Sha-Ron Jackson-Johnson holds up a piece of Halyard H600 two-ply spun polypropylene, which is being used in filters for homemade masks.
Sewers stitch together community to bring masks to the Region
Handmade face masks are stacked before being sorted Monday at SS. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Merrillville.
Local communities deal with stay home order
Alexander Neff and Crystal Bellamy replace an oxygen tank in one of the three ambulances that inHealth Integrated Care in Valparaiso sent to help with the response to COVID-19 in New York City.
Local communities deal with stay home order
Crystal Bellamy and Alexander Neff stock one of three ambulances from inHealth Integrated Care in Valparaiso as they prepare to leave Tuesday to help hard-hit New York City. Three crews of two people each will be in NYC for at least two weeks.
Sneeze guards installed at Strack & Van Til
Sabrina Thompson, cashier at Strack & Van Til, checks out customers on Monday in Munster. A newly installed sneeze guard is seen in front of Thompson to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Sneeze guards installed at Strack & Van Til
A row of newly installed sneeze guards helps protect cashiers at Strack & Van Til, including Kayla Chestang, on Monday in Munster. The grocery chain has been installing the screens to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
STAY AT HOME TO KEEP MY DADDY & MOMMY SAFE!
Jenny Gogal, 35, and her three children, Devon, 16, Payton, 6, and Nolan, 4, stand beside the front door of their Schererville home in March. The children placed the message on the door to remind people to do what they can to keep their parents, both health care providers, safe during the COVID-19 crisis.
Nicole Matusik and Tim Bodnar host a drive-up wedding
Nicole Matusik and Tim Bodnar decided to do a drive-up wedding for a select group of people on the front lawn of the groom's parents' home on Saturday in Dyer.
Nicole Matusik and Tim Bodnar host a drive-up wedding
Newlyweds Tim and Nicole Bodnar pose for pictures Saturday.
Nicole Matusik and Tim Bodnar host a drive-up wedding
Mindy Bodnar, sister-in-law of groom Tim Bodnar, watches the wedding ceremony Saturday from the bed of her truck with her sons Reid, 7, left, and Trayce, 4.
Nicole Matusik and Tim Bodnar host a drive-up wedding
Guests for the Nicole Matusik-Tim Bodnar wedding wait by their vehicles for the start of the brief ceremony Saturday.
Nicole Matusik and Tim Bodnar host a drive-up wedding
Tom Sitkowski, left, officiates the wedding of Nicole Matusik and Tim Bodnar Saturday.
Nicole Matusik and Tim Bodnar host a drive-up wedding
Guests for the Nicole Matusik-Tim Bodnar wedding wait by their vehicles for the start of the brief ceremony Saturday.
Strack & Van Til is giving North Township 100 bags of food
Strack & Van Til is gave North Township 100 bags of food to help feed the seniors and disabled who are calling the North Township Trustee's office for food help. From left North Township Trustee Frank J. Mrvan, Prescott Serna, Tavell Grant and Jeff Strack, CEO of Strack & Van Til, help load bags of groceries into a U-Haul truck.
Innsbrook
Golfers could be seen Thursday morning at the Innsbrook Country Club in Merrillville. Despite his stay-at-home order, Gov. Eric Holcomb has granted golf course owners the ability to stay open during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Lake Station
Lake Station City Hall parking lot sat empty Wednesday during the first day of Gov. Eric Holcomb's order to help slow the spread of the COVID-19.
IUN
Indiana University Northwest in Gary is shown nearly deserted Wednesday in the wake of an Indiana stay-at-home order.
Broadway in Gary
Downtown Gary’s Broadway Avenue, looking north from near 15th Avenue, Wednesday during the first day of Gov. Eric Holcomb's Stay-At-Home order to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the state of Indiana.
Indiana University Northwest
Indiana University Northwest in Gary.
Main Street in Hobart
Hobart’s Main Street near Fourth Street, looking north, sits nearly empty Wednesday during the first day of Gov. Eric Holcomb's order to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 in Indiana.
Gary's Broadway
Downtown Gary’s Broadway Avenue, looking south from Fifth Avenue, sits nearly empty Wednesday during the first day of Gov. Eric Holcomb's order to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 in Indiana.
St. Mary Food Bank does emergency distribution
Carole and Richard Barnes organized the food giveaway Wednesday.
St. Mary Food Pantry does emergency distribution
Volunteers prepare food items for distribution.
St. Mary Food Pantry does emergency distribution
Judith Moore, of Gary, looks through goods Wednesday during the St. Mary of the Lake Food Pantry giveaway. The selection included canned soups, eggs, milk and fresh produce.
Indiana stay-at-home
The St. Michael the Archangel Church marquee displays a message of prayer for health care workers amid the COVID-19 crisis.
Indiana stay-at-home
Best Buy customers at the Highland Grove Shopping Center in Highland must order online and pickup at the store's entrance. A very small selection of items are available outside. Nobody other than employees is allowed inside.
Indiana stay-at-home
Best Buy customers at the Highland Grove Shopping Center in Highland must order online and pickup at the store's entrance. A very small selection of items are available outside. Nobody other than employees is allowed inside.
Indiana stay-at-home
Best Buy customers in Hobart must order online and pickup at the store's entrance. Nobody other than employees is allowed inside.
Indiana stay-at-home
Businesses are closed and the parking lot is empty at Boulevard Square in Schererville Wednesday.
Indiana stay-at-home
Downtown Highland looks like a ghost town here on Highway Avenue.
Indiana stay-at-home
Normally full of vehicles and shoppers, the Shops on Main in Schererville is eerily empty Wednesday.
Highland's Highway Avenue
Downtown Highland looks like a ghost town on Highway Avenue Wednesday.
Shops on Main
The parking lot at Shops on Main in Schererville is eerily empty Wednesday.
Best Buy
Best Buy customers at the Highland Grove Shopping Center in Highland must order online and pickup at the store's entrance. A very small selection of items are available outside. Nobody other than employees is allowed inside.
Indiana stay-at-home
Best Buy customers at the Highland Grove Shopping Center in Highland must order online and pickup at the store's entrance. A very small selection of items are available outside. Nobody other than employees is allowed inside.
Indiana stay-at-home
The Lake County Government Center is closed to the public with only essential workers reporting for work.
Indiana stay-at-home
A passenger-less bus does its route at the Lake County Government Center.
Indiana stay-at-home
Closed for the foreseeable future, movie posters have been removed from the Hobart AMC Showplace theaters.
Indiana stay-at-home
Southlake Mall's parking lot is nearly empty of cars.
Indiana stay-at-home
Office Depot in Hobart, like other stores, offers curbside pickup.
Indiana stay-at-home
Best Buy customers in Hobart must order online and pickup at the store's entrance. Nobody other than employees is allowed inside.
Indiana stay-at-home
Office Depot in Hobart, like other stores, offers curbside pickup.
Indiana stay-at-home
Stores at Shops on Main in Schererville remain closed.
Indiana stay-at-home
Crown Point Wendy's manager Scott Finley posts the restaurant's drive-thru hours on the marquee on Wednesday, the first day of Indiana's shutdown. Hoosiers still can leave their homes during the next two weeks to address the health and safety of themselves or their families; to purchase groceries, medical supplies, carryout food or other urgently needed goods; to participate in outdoor recreation at least 6 feet away from others; or to take care of a family member or friend in another household.
Indiana stay-at-home
Southlake Mall's parking lot sits empty Wednesday in the wake of COVID-19.
No thru traffic
A drive-thru lane at the Starbucks on Calumet Avenue in Munster is blocked by a traffic cone as the entire business has been closed down in the face of COVID-19.
U.S. 30 in Schererville
Normally packed with cars during the morning rush, traffic was very light Wednesday morning on U.S. 30 in Schererville.
Valplayso in Valparaiso
Valplayso in Valparaiso is shown closed on Wednesday morning amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
Crown Point Square
Crown Point's Main Street, normally busy with traffic and customers grabbing coffee and breakfast, is empty just before 9 a.m. on Wednesday. It was the first day of Gov. Eric Holcomb's new stay-at-home order to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Lake County Government Center in Crown Point
Lake County Government Center in Crown Point. Usually bustling with cars a people at this time. Largely deserted at the main building, just before 9 a.m. Wednesday.
Largely deserted by the Old Courthouse, Crown Point
The largely deserted scene by the Old Courthouse in Crown Point on Wednesday morning, as Hoosiers stay home amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Myers Elementary staff parades through Portage neighborhood
One of the vehicles in the procession sports a sign with a quote from "Mary Poppins" on Tuesday in Portage.
Myers Elementary staff parades through Portage neighborhood
Keegan Coleman, left, and Gavin Malo blow up balloons on Tuesday in Portage prior to a procession by George L. Myers Elementary School staff through the surrounding neighborhood. Coleman and Malo are fourth and fifth graders at the school, respectively.
Myers Elementary staff parades through Portage neighborhood
From left, Rylie Hufford and her parents, Eric and Kristine, wave to George L. Myers Elementary School teachers as they cruise through the surrounding neighborhood on Tuesday in Portage.
Myers Elementary staff parades through Portage neighborhood
Alyssa Tampier, right, kindergarten teacher at George L. Myers Elementary School, talks with two of her students, Addison Jorden, center, and Shannyn Sumler, after a procession by the staff through the surrounding neighborhood Tuesday in Portage.
Crown Point business owners share uplifting message amid coronavirus closures
A sign in the window of Cafe Fresco, 1 N. Court St., reads "We're all in this together." Crown Point business owners have been sharing uplifting message amid coronavirus closures.
Drive-up church service
Pastor Dennis Meyer of Bethany Lutheran Church appealed for courage during a Sunday service held in his church parking lot because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Takeout meals at Scrambled Diner
Ashlyn Magdziak, server at Scrambled Diner, puts in a takeout order for a customer on March 21 in Dyer.
Volunteers from various organizations picking up food and delivering it to senior citizens.
Dana Ziel, left, and her daughters Kayla and Kendal, right, leave the Catholic Charities facility in East Chicago on Friday with food to be delivered to seniors.
Merrillville restaurant donates food to health care
Nicole Paunicka, right, emergency room manager at Methodist Hospitals Southlake Campus, carries in bags with Niki Gagianas that are filled with gyros and French fries on Friday in Merrillville. Mr. Greek Gyros donated meals for day and night shift emergency room workers at the hospital.
Church rings bells for coronavirus responder
Bethany Lutheran Church in LaPorte will ring its church bells at 10:08 Friday to give thanks to all emergency responders for putting their safety on the line for others during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
Covid19 testing in Kouts
Kathy Lynch, owner of Kouts Family Health Care Inc readies a test for COVID-19 on March 18 in the parking lot of the facility where people drove up and had nasal swabs taken while they waited in the vehicles.
Covid19 testing in Kouts
Kathy Lynch, owner of Kouts Family Health Care Inc., takes a nasal sample from one of 10 people who were scheduled for tests for the COVID-19 virus Wednesday. People drove through and waited in the vehicles for the tests to be taken.
Kouts practice, Franciscan hospitals in Crown Point, Michigan City testing for COVID-19
A medical worker speaks with a patient during drive-thru COVID-19 testing Wednesday outside the emergency room at Franciscan Health hospital in Crown Point.
Front line of COVID-19 in Crown Point
Medical workers manage drive-thru COVID-19 testing Wednesday outside the emergency room at Franciscan Health hospital in Crown Point.
Pleasant View gives away chocolate milk
Workers from Highland's Pleasant View Dairy distribute free half-pints of chocolate milk to the public Wednesday. Due to school closings, the dairy chose to give the milk away. The line of vehicles stretched from the dairy out to Ridge Road.
Kouts practice, Franciscan hospitals in Crown Point, Michigan City are testing for COVID-19 — with doctor's note
Kathy Lynch, Samantha Mokol, Jessica Young and Ireland Smith, nursing staff at Kouts Health Care, administer COVID-19 testing Wednesday.
Food response team discusses plans for getting food to students and seniors
Roger Hayward leads a team that will work to get food to students and seniors in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
St. Paul Catholic Church in Valparaiso
Hand sanitizer on the altar with Fr. Jeff Burton, associate pastor at St. Paul Catholic Church in Valparaiso leading services Saturday morning.
Shopping at Stracks
Barb Wensing, left, of Crown Point, was happy she was able to score toilet paper at the Crown Point Strack and Van Til Supermarket. Employees Connor Powers and Mary Jo Saberniak, right, get her on her way.
Area restaurants deal with closures
Schoop's in Crown Point as well as other restaurants nationwide is only serving carryout meals.
Corned beef and cabbage dinner drive-thru
Mark Reed delivers an order for corned beed and cabbage dinners Tuesday to Crown Point resident Robin Littrell at the Crown Point Fire and Rescue facility.
Meal Pickup for Hammond Schools
Liz Garcia, School City of Hammond worker, receives word from a vehicle that the family has one child with them for meal pickup on March 18 at Edison Elementary School.
Meal Pickup for Hammond Schools
Lynn Strle, left, assistant director of food and nutrition for the School City of Hammond, and Tina Callahan, kitchen manager at Edison Elementary School, distribute meals to families during meal pickup on Tuesday at the elementary school.
Myles Books
Myles Books co-owner Demetrios Roumbos organizes the bookshelves in the store on Monday in Highland. Roumbos says customers have been purchasing more books as they prepare to spend more time indoors due to coronavirus concerns.
Sip Coffee House
Carley Mae Bostick, left, server at Sip Coffee House in Highland, takes payment from Isabelle Neibert, of South Holland, on Monday before the shop closed after Gov. Eric Holcomb's order that restaurants and bars end dine-in service as a result of the novel coronavirus.
Hammond Emergency Press Conference
Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. holds a press conference in March inside Hammond City Hall to announce restrictions on city buildings to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Northwest Indiana Cancer Kids Foundation annual St. Baldrick's Foundation Event 2020
Northwest Indiana Cancer Kids Foundation board member Lauren Juran, left, and director of services Nicole Yarrow, help check in visitors to Texture Pointe Hair Salon in Highland on Sunday. The event, originally canceled due to coronavirus concerns, was able to be rescheduled and hosted at the salon.
Gymnastics state finals
The IHSAA 2020 gymnastics state finals were limited to competitors, event staff and credentialed media due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Fight against virus
Ciao Bella hostess Sam Quinlan uses a disinfectant to clean the bar Saturday.
Whiting library drops fine policy for late returns
Clerk Laura Lopez helps patrons at the Whiting Public Library where the Board has decided to temporarily eliminate fines for people who don't return material on time.
St. Paul Catholic Church in Valparaiso
Parishioners spread out during Mass Saturday at St. Paul Catholic Church in Valparaiso.
Virus sign
Harley-Davidson of Valparaiso is using the current COVID-19 situation to try to drum up some business.
Medical tent sits outside Community Hospital
A red medical tent was visible in the parking lot of Community Hospital in Munster on Friday. The tent is being cleaned and prepped for possible deployment in light of the global COVID-19 outbreak, a hospital spokeswoman said.
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