Illinois COVID-19 Update

April 2, 2020

At today’s press briefing, the Illinois Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) announced 715 new COVID-19 cases, for a total of 7,695 cases in 61 counties statewide. Sixteen new deaths were reported for a total of 157 deaths.

Governor J.B. Pritzker announced at the briefing that Westlake Hospital will be developed into an alternative care facility (ACF) housing 230 beds, adding to the three previously announced ACF facilities—MetroSouth Medical Center and Advocate Sherman Hospital, and McCormick Place. ACF construction will be completed on a rolling basis in the coming weeks.  The Governor said he is working on a central Illinois location and information on that will be released soon. 

Patients will be seen at an existing hospital first. Lower acuity patients may be moved to an ACF.

The Governor noted that he has exhausted all state actions and orders. He said the strongest weapon against COVID-19 is you: "For everyone in Illinois, we as individuals must commit to stay home, stay safe and practice social distancing to stay healthy. I'm asking you to join us and be all in for Illinois." He announced a statewide initiative called All in Illinois to reinforce the state's core message, backed by scientists and public health experts: stay at home and stay safe. A press release says that “All in Illinois is a way to unite residents across the state and remind them we are all in this together.”