Illinois COVID-19 Update

April 6, 2020

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced 1,006 new COVID-19 cases and 33 additional deaths, bringing the total number of cases to 12,262 in 73 counties and deaths to 307. IDPH Director Ngozi Ezike, M.D. noted that in 70% of the COVID-19 deaths in the state, thus far, three common co-morbidities existed—hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. She pleaded with Illinoisans to stay home, especially tomorrow, with warm temperatures expected throughout the state and later in the week for religious observances (Passover and Easter). Family gatherings and group services are discouraged and Dr. Ezike and Gov. Pritzker encouraged virtual celebrations using online technologies. Also, Dr. Ezike encouraged the use of face masks when outdoors and at grocery stores, etc.

At the daily press briefing, Governor J.B. Pritzker outlined the protective personal protective equipment (PPE) the state has received from the federal Strategic National Stockpile:

  • 367,795 N95 masks;
  • 1,141,000 surgical masks;
  • 693,000 gloves;
  • 174,000 face shields;
  • 142,000 surgical gowns; and
  • 4,000 coveralls.

The Governor provided a statewide 10-day PPE burn rate for hospitals and long-term care facilities:

  • 1.5 million N95 masks;
  • 25 million gloves;
  • 4.4 million gowns; and
  • 700,000 surgical masks.

The burn rate figures do not include PPE projections for alternate care facilities. The Governor says he is continuing to find ways to obtain PPE from vendors given the lack of support and supplies from the federal government.

All hospitals and health systems are urged to respond to and update their data and information in EMResource on a daily basis—bed reporting updates (twice a day at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.) and their COVID-19 patient data seven days a week; also, update capacity numbers, when necessary, for accuracy purposes.

Governor J.B. Pritzker announced on Sunday an expansion of eligibility to support essential workers’ child care needs and an increase in financial support for emergency child care centers and homes.  Effective April 1, all essential workers in healthcare, human services, essential government services, and essential infrastructure now qualify for the state’s Child Care Assistance Program.  The state will cover most of the cost of care provided by emergency child care centers and homes.  This expansion of eligibility includes those working as nurses and doctors, supporting staff in hospitals, grocery store clerks and food producers.  Details and applications for assistance are available on the Illinois Department of Human Services’ website DHS.illinois.gov/helpishere and at coronavirus.illinois.gov.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced a new donation program to accept unused PPE for first responders and medical staff.  Overseen by the County’s Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security, it is asking closed hospitality, entertainment, educational and manufacturing facilities, as well as other businesses that have PPE inventory currently not in use, to donate those items.  Anyone who would like to donate PPE or has any questions should email donate@cookcountyil.gov.