World Health Organization declares COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic

Expressing alarm both about mounting infections and slow government responses, the World Health Organization declared Wednesday that the global coronavirus crisis is now a pandemic but also said it's not too late for countries to act.

American Red Cross seeks healthy, eligible blood donors amid coronavirus outbreak

American blood banks are feeling the squeeze of the coronavirus outbreak, so the Red Cross is encouraging healthy individuals to donate blood to maintain the supply.

Chicago's St. Patrick's Day parades postponed amid coronavirus concerns

Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the city is working with organizers from Chicago’s downtown, South Side and Northwest Side parades, as well as the annual Dyeing of the Chicago River, to reschedule those events for a later date.

Lombard Elementary District 44 cancels classes due to possible coronavirus exposure

A person who tested positive for coronavirus went to the volleyball game March 4 at Glenn Westlake Middle School, Superintendent Ted Stec said in an email to families.

Several schools in Chicago close in order to clean facilities due to coronavirus fears

While Vaughn High School on the Northwest Side remains closed because of coronavirus concerns, the rest of Chicago Public Schools remain open under a watchful eye.

Ogden Elementary School remains open after parent tests positive for coronavirus

The parent contracted the virus during a trip abroad but didn’t go on that campus, at 24 W. Walton St., or to any other Chicago Public School, according to an email sent to parents and students Tuesday.

Colleges debate closures, switching to online classes due to coronavirus

University of Chicago announced Tuesday a number of measures to stop the spread of coronavirus, including canceling all scheduled events and gatherings of more than 100 people.

Purdue University switches to online classes due to coronavirus

Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana notified its students Tuesday that all classes -- for the time being -- will be held online instead of in-person, because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Stocks recoup most big losses as investors await virus aid

Stocks, Treasury yields and oil are clawing back some of the plunge they took a day before, when the S&P 500 had its worst drop in more than a decade.