Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzger has issued new mandated guidelines to help slow the spread of the coronavirus across the state. At a news conference in Chicago Thursday the governor ordered that all large-scale events of 1000 people and over be cancelled for the next 30 days and that gatherings of 250 or more be scrapped as well. He also indicated that schools across the state will remain open. The governor also encouraged businesses to let employees work from home when possible. Vincennes University officials announced this week that spring break will be extended for all students at all sites including online until Sunday March 22nd. Residence halls will remain closed next week and classes will not be held. VU faculty and staff are expected to report as usual at all sites. IECC Interim CEO Marilyn Holt has announced that District #529 has prepared contingency plans in the event they need to practice social distancing and virtualize instruction. The district will continue on with preventative measures using enhanced disinfecting procedures at every school. District #529 has cancelled all non-competitive college related travel until early April. Locally in Lawrence County, the URCHOICE Committee has informed WAKO that the sixth annual fundraising dinner-dance and silent auction scheduled for Saturday April 25th at Bridgeport grade School has been postponed till further notice