Coronavirus in Illinois updates: Here’s what’s happening Thursday with COVID-19 in the Chicago area

Under mounting pressure from thousands of establishments, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Wednesday that Illinois restaurants and bars will be allowed to reopen with limited outdoor seating as soon as next week. The alfresco dining option represents a slight softening of the governor’s plan as many neighboring states have moved much faster to allow restaurants to reopen. Meanwhile, the first day …