Cory and Whitney taking about mental health and the Easter holiday.

Another deadly day across the state of Illinois. Governor J.B Pritzker announced Wednesday that 83 more people had died from COVID-19. The total number confirmed cases of COVID-19 has risen past 15,000 cases statewide. 78 counties now have confirmed cases. The need for more numbers and more information during the pandemic is unending. But, that said, the Henry and Stark County Health Department has to draw the line somewhere. The Health Department will not announce where in Henry or Stark County an infected patient is from. There will be no compromise on that. Currently, there are 19 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Henry County. There is 1 confirmed case in Stark County. No other patient details are being revealed out of consideration for those who are battling COVID-19.

If you need a game for the whole family, Goliath Games has you covered. With more families at home and seeking ways to limit screen time, what better option is there than a board game? Goliath has two new Harry Potter themed board games for sale. Want to get the kids off the couch? Try the soccer slider, a soccer game safe to play inside. Or, you can get Goliath's Dance Charades, a game you can play with friends online.

With more people spending more time at home, tips for saving on energy costs are essential. Kristol Simms from Ameren Illinois knows the struggle. Ameren has been developing ways to help you save energy. Kristol joined WKEI on Thursday to discuss energy efficiency during shelter at home. Tips include making sure your water heater is set at just the right temp. There are also ways to teach kids to be more energy efficient.

Katie Laleman from the Henry County Farm Bureau wants farmers to know that resources are available. The Illinois Farm Bureau has created an extensive guide for farmers to help navigate the COVID-19 farm economy and all that comes with it. There are resources for navigating the CARES Act, guidance for USDA aid for any farmer whose business is affected by the current economy and resources for hauling and delivery of farm products.

Cory Law and Dr. Stanley discuss COVID-19 in the county

Tom Myers with Rock Falls Rotary, Brandi Spreeman a host Mom and
Kimzey Spreeman recently returned from Indonesia.

The Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center is teaming with OSF Saint Luke Medical Center and the YMCA for a Blood Drive on Thurday, April 9th. The YMCA will host the Blood Drive which is by appointment only according to Blood Center Spokesman, Kirby Wynn. Mr Wynn was our guest on WKEI on Wednesday and talked about the ways in which the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center is taking care to make sure donating blood is safe from COVID-19. That starts with making an appointment at BloodCenter.org.

Tuesday, Governor J.B Pritzker announced the largest single day increase in deaths from the COVID-19 so far during this crisis. 73 people is the highest number to date that the Governor has announced during his daily press conferences. We talked about the increasing numbers with RaeAnn Tucker in our Daily Briefing on COVID-19. Heather Aldred also joined the Daily Briefing to discuss WIC services. WIC services are still available at the Health Department. Drive up appointments can be made for needed coupons. Contact the Health Department for more on WIC Services.

The number of COVID-19 cases are rising and will continue to rise. The message from the Health Department is, protect yourself by following the available guidelines. Social distancing, 6 feet. Wash your hands, cover your cough and clean frequently touched surfaces. There are now 14 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Henry County and 1 confirmed case in Stark County but those numbers, like the state numbers will go up. As of Monday afternoon, there are 12,262 cases of COVID-19 in Illinois in 73 counties. 309 people have died from COVID-19.