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Chicago Sun-Times: Illinois surpasses 11K COVID-19 cases as death toll reaches 274
Illinois health officials announced on Sunday 31 new deaths related to COVID-19, including a second inmate at Stateville Correctional Center, bringing the statewide death toll from the virus to 274.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike — donning protective face masks that they removed before speaking — also announced the latest deaths during their Sunday coronavirus update.
WTTW: Curfew, temperature checks potential next steps for Illinois as COVID-19 spreads
Just over two weeks into a mandatory stay-at-home order that began March 21, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritkzer said he is considering additional steps to curb the spread of COVID-19.
“There certainly are more things that could be done,” Pritzker said. “I will continue to look at every measure that we could take. You know, we’re trying to defeat this virus, there’s no doubt about it.”
Chicago Sun-Times: Despite ‘Crimson Contagion’ pandemic drills, Chicago didn’t fill public health jobs
Mayor Lori Lightfoot hasn’t shied from ripping President Donald Trump and his administration for moving too slowly in response to the growing coronavirus pandemic, but her own administration got caught flatfooted on staffing of emergency-preparedness workers.
A series of public health exercises took place in Chicago and other cities last year to prepare for a pandemic like the one that’s crippling America today.
The Center Square: Downstate lawmaker says Illinois’ governor can do a better job communicating with legislators during COVID pandemic
Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he and his office talk with downstate legislators regularly to provide updates on the state’s COVID-19 response, but some feel it’s not enough.
Sunday, during his daily press briefings about the state’s handling of the novel coronavirus pandemic, the governor said he has two calls a week with legislators and he also talks regularly with mayors around the state.