Hey there! It’s Friday, and you’ll get to see my dog, Princess Leia, in today’s Rundown live show at 4:30 p.m. on WBEZ’s Facebook page. Here’s what you need to know today. (PS: You can have this delivered to your inbox by subscribing here.)

1. U.S. deaths surpass 50,000

The number of people who have died from COVID-19 in the U.S. climbed past 50,000 today, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

As NPR reports, the U.S. has more than three times the number of known cases than any other country. The pandemic has hit hardest in New York, where a fifth of all New York City residents have been infected. [NPR]

The grim milestone comes as President Donald Trump signed a $484 billion relief package that will give $75 billion to hospitals and provide $25 billion to boost testing. The package also replenishes a federal loan program for small businesses struggling during the pandemic. [NPR]

In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced there were 422 more COVID-19 deaths, the lowest number reported in a single day since April 1. [New York Times]

States like Georgia, Utah and Tennessee are quickly moving to jumpstart their economies without the full approval of medical professionals and emergency response officials on the front lines, reports The Washington Post. [WaPo]

In Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extended her stay-at-home order until May 15, but she eased some restrictions. [CNN]

Across the nation, there have been more than 870,000 cases reported. [NPR]

2. FDA warns against using anti-malaria drugs touted by Trump

The Food and Drug Administration issued a warning today that the drugs hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine can cause life-threatening heart problems for coronavirus patients. The FDA said the drugs should only be used at hospitals or clinical trials because of the dangerous side effects.

President Trump has advocated for the use of the drugs in treating patients, a position that is at odds with many of his top health officials. [Politico]

Meanwhile, the maker of Lysol is warning people against drinking its products after Trump suggested that using disinfectants internally could help eliminate the coronavirus. [NPR]

In other medical news, an experimental drug called remdesivir showed no benefits in treating COVID-19 patients in a clinical trial in China, according to documents accidentally posted online by the World Health Organization. [Politico]

3. A disturbing picture emerges inside some Chicago nursing homes

Workers at three different long-term care facilities in Chicago “describe staffing shortages, inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE), a lack of clarity around the extent of the outbreaks in those nursing homes, and conduct that violates guidelines set forth by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),” reports WBEZ’s Esther Yoon-Ji Kang. [WBEZ]

Meanwhile, state officials today announced 2,724 new confirmed cases, bumping the statewide total to 39,658. Officials also announced 108 more people have died, bringing the state’s death toll to 1,795. 

Gov. JB Prtizker said today that state efforts to expand testing are showing progress, with more than 16,000 tests results coming in yesterday — a record high for Illinois. [WBEZ]

Here’s a map showing where cases have been reported in Illinois. [WBEZ]

Looking for a movie to watch this weekend? Independent movie theaters in Chicago are streaming films online. [WBEZ]

And if you’re looking for a laugh, the Chicago Sun-Times reached out to 10 local comedians. [Chicago Sun-Times]

4. Did I already have the coronavirus?

That’s a question some Americans are asking after the major news this week that the virus was spreading within the U.S. much earlier than previously believed. Sudden illnesses that struck this year are now raising questions: Was it the coronavirus?

“I’ve started to think it was the coronavirus,” said Julie Parks, who works at a call center on Michigan Avenue where a large number of employees became ill in January. “I may have had it, but I can’t be sure. It’s limbo.”

Researchers from Northeastern University believe “hidden outbreaks” were erupting in Chicago and other major U.S. cities as early as January. [New York Times]

5. How will schools be different when they reopen?

A majority of states in the U.S. have closed schools, and some governors are beginning to talk about reopening classrooms. But how would that work?

NPR talked with public health experts, education officials and educators to get a sense of what needs to be done to welcome students back. Among their nine recommendations are smaller class sizes of 12 students or fewer, staggered schedules, new academic calendars and no sports games. [NPR]

Here’s what else is happening

• Here are some tips for people who are searching for jobs during the pandemic. [Chicago Tribune]
• The cast of Parks and Recreation will reunite for a special coronavirus episode slated to air next week. [CBS]
• The Nerdette Book Club talks about You Never Forget Your First, a biography of George Washington. [WBEZ]
• This week’s Pop Culture Happy Hour looks at kid-friendly TV. [NPR]

Oh, and one more thing …

What is up with people wanting to golf right now? I laugh so hard whenever someone asks about golfing at Gov. JB Pritzker’s daily press briefings. Like yesterday, when Pritzker had a team of scientists explaining the trajectory of the outbreak in Illinois, I was waiting for someone to be like, “So Dr. Doomsday, you’re saying it’s OK to go golfing right now?”

Well, golfers, congrats because courses will be open on May 1 under “strict safety guidelines” that have yet to be defined. [Chicago Tribune]

Meanwhile, “guerrilla golfers” are popping up in states where courses remain closed. [New York Times]

Tell me something good …

If you could be in self-quarantine with anyone other than a family member, who would it be?

Sal writes:

“I’d quarantine with Chris Hemsworth, if he could ever leave his Down Under home!”

SAME. Thanks to everyone who reached out this week! Y’all are the best!

Thanks for reading and have a nice night! We’ll see you on Monday.