Illinois to close museums, casinos due to virus

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced new COVID-19 restrictions Tuesday that will cap crowds in retail stores and gyms and temporarily close museums and casinos.

The latest restrictions, which take effect Friday, come as infections and hospitalizations in the state continue to soar.

Illinois on Tuesday reported 12,601 new cases and 97 deaths.

Overall, Illinois has reported nearly 600,000 cases with 10,875 deaths.

Under the new restrictions, retail stores must lower capacity to 25% from the current 50%, but grocery stores will be excluded.

Gyms will also be capped at 25% and indoor classes will no longer be allowed.

The first-term Democrat stopped short of a stay-at-home order, calling it a last resort if the numbers don't go down.

Pritzker and city officials, including Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, have pleaded with residents for days to stay home, except for the essentials.