Illinois COVID-19 Update

April 3, 2020

At today’s press briefing, the Illinois Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) announced 1,209 new COVID-19 cases, for a total of 8,904 cases in 64 counties statewide. Fifty-three new deaths were reported for a total of 210 deaths.

The press briefing took place at the McCormick Place alternate care facility (ACF) where Governor J.B. Pritzker announced that the first 500 beds to care for low-acuity COVID-19 patients have been completed. Patient volume and staffing will be scaled up gradually, and it is expected to have several hundred healthcare workers at the ACF. Governor Pritzker announced the fourth ACF location is Vibra Hospital of Springfield.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot thanked numerous people and organizations who have been assisting the state and city in the fight against COVID-19 and the development of the ACF including: IHA, Rush University Medical Center, Mercy Hospital, among others. Mayor Lightfoot also thanked the London House and Godfrey Hotel for offering a total of 400 rooms for healthcare workers who need a safe place to stay after their shifts.