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Cook County won't prosecute non-violent, low-level drug offenses during COVID-19 pandemic

Published  March 20, 2020 5:53pm CDT
Cook County
Sun-Times Media Wire

CHICAGO - Cook County State’s Attorney Kimberly Foxx announced Friday that her office will not prosecute cases of non-violent, low-level narcotics offenses during an outbreak of COVID-19.

Instead, the Cook County state’s attorney’s office will prioritize other charges on a case-by-case basis, the office said in a statement.

The aim is to protect the health and safety of police officers, first responders, medical professionals, and jail staff and the Cook County community at large, according to the statement.

“By reducing the number of individuals who cycle through police stations and jail on minor offenses, we can mitigate some risk of exposure to the novel coronavirus,” prosecutors said.

On Friday, Governor JB Pritzker announced a "stay at home" order for Illinois residents.

Gov. Pritzker announces 'stay at home' order to Illinoisans amid COVID-19 pandemic

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has ordered the state's residents to remain in their homes except for essential needs, joining similar efforts in California and New York to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Officials also announced 163 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the state total to 585.

163 more coronavirus cases confirmed in Illinois; state total now 585

Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, spoke about the new cases Friday afternoon.

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