BREAKING NEWS: The Quad-Cities has reached the “severe” covid outbreak level, according to the latest statistics from the Illinois and Iowa Departments of Health and Covid Act Now, a not-for-profit national data aggregation website affiliated with the medical departments of Stanford, Harvard and Georgetown Universities. Both Scott and Rock Island Counties have spiked up to the “severe outbreak” level, counting cases over the past few days, but NOT including outbreaks expected to bump up after last week’s Thanksgiving social activity trifecta of Black Out Wednesday,... Read More

Covid cases continue to soar in Illinois and Rock Island County, and health department officials are dreading the coming two weeks as potential infections from Thanksgiving weekend, Blackout Wednesday and Black Friday gatherings arise. The Rock Island County Health Department is reporting three additional deaths from COVID-19: a man in his 90s, a woman in her 90s and a woman in her 80s, all of whom had been living in long-term care facilities. The number of deaths in the county from this virus is now 140. “We send our heartfelt condolences to their loved ones,”said Janet Hill, chief operating... Read More

As a result to the rising numbers of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations in Scott County and Davenport, the Library will be rolling back some services in order to follow the guidance of the City of Davenport.  At this time, the Library will have restricted access during normal hours of operation.  The library is implementing the following changes: Patrons will no longer be able to enter our buildings to browse for materials and must place holds on all items to pick-up by curbside (|Main |Eastern) and by drive-up window (|Fairmount). Public computers can only be accessed by appointment.... Read More

In an effort to reduce COVID-19 pressures on medical center resources, Genesis Health System and UnityPoint Health – Trinity will temporarily reduce elective surgeries and procedures starting Monday, Nov. 16. This decision is made in collaboration with Iowa’s Region 5 hospitals and physician leadership of the Quad-Cities health systems. The reduction of elective surgeries will continue through Nov. 20, when the change will be reassessed. Reducing elective surgical procedures requiring inpatient stays will allow the health systems to expand bed capacity and reallocate patient care staff... Read More

The Quad-Cities has exploded into the top 10 worst covid outbreak spots in the nation, according to data from the CDC, the New York Times reported today. According to the data, the Illinois/Iowa Quad-Cities is now inside the top ten most rapidly spiking hot spots nationwide, roaring from number 13 to number 7 in just two days. Illinois and Iowa hold 12 of the top 15 spots in the country, with Cedar Rapids holding at number one. In his media address yesterday, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said that the rapidly spiking numbers statewide — with numbers in some regions doubling daily — could... Read More

As the rising number of Quad-Cities covid-19 cases put it near the top 10 worst covid hot spots in the United States, and other Iowa communities already fill the top 10, Iowa is enacting a number of mask and social distancing mandates to curb the spread of covid-19. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ proclamation prohibits indoor gatherings of 25 or more people, and outdoor gatherings of more than 100 people, unless mandatory mask procedures are observed. Groups at bars and restaurants are limited to eight people unless everyone is part of the same household, and individuals must remain seated... Read More

Cool Beanz Coffeehouse in Rock Island, a charming spot for students and people of all age in College Hill, is closing their indoor dining and hangout area due to covid-19’s spread and ensuing restrictions on businesses. The spot left the following note on their social media Monday: Dear Cool Beanz Coffeehouse community, With Covid case numbers continuing to climb in our area, we have made the difficult decision to suspend indoor dining beginning Monday November 2nd. We will continue to allow customers to come inside and place to go orders at our register (masked). Customers can also... Read More

The party is ending. Billy Bob’s Redneck Party Bar, not that long ago a thriving business in Rock Island’s downtown strip, announced on Facebook that they were closing next week. Undoubtedly hit incredibly hard by covid-19 and lengthy closures and quarantines, the dance club owners posted the following tonight: It’s with a heavy heart that we have to make this post. Saturday October 3rd will be our last day open. We will be open Thursday, Friday , Saturday next week. 6pm-1am $1 wells and 12oz cans $2 tall boys and calls “jack, captain, etc…” $3 top shelf Drink... Read More