Illinois reports 1,319 confirmed new COVID-19 cases, 1 death

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Housing Development Authority on Monday announced an emergency housing assistance program for Illinoisans financially impacted by COVID-19.

The announcement came as the Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting 1,319 new confirmed cases of coronavirus, with one death. That brings to 195,399 confirmed cases and 7,637 deaths in the state. The statewide positivity rate for the period of August 3 through August 9 is at 4.1%.

The Housing Development Authority will allocate $150 million to help income-eligible residents pay rent. Tenants whose applications are approved will receive a one-time grant of $5,000 paid directly to their landlords to cover missed rent payments beginning from March 2020 or to alleviate rent debt through December 2020.

'œI encourage those who have lost a job or seen their income decline as a result of COVID-19 visit our application portals to apply,'ť IHDA Executive Director Kristin Faust said in a statement.

The Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program will get underway on August 24 to assist homeowners who have experienced a loss of income or employment. Approved applicants will receive up to $15,000 paid directly to their mortgage holder.