CHICAGO — Governor J.B. Pritzker announced additional alternative care sites in Chicago and Springfield on Friday in preparation for the COVID-19 outbreak.
More beds were being added to the 28,000 beds in the state. Only just over 11,000 beds were available as of Friday.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced 1,209 new cases of COVID-19 in Illinois, including 53 additional deaths.
Pritzker said that the virus was in 64 counties in the state, and 210 people have died due to the virus. The state’s total confirmed cases of COVID-19 was up to 8,904.
Near 140 healthcare workers were ready to work at a new alternative care site in Chicago.
Pritzker said that experts are still studying how the virus is spread between people, and thinks that there is a reason that we are raised to cover our mouths when you cough or sneeze. He said wearing something over your face when you go out in public is a good idea out of courtesy to others if you may be infected.
