CHICAGO — The doubling rate in Illinois has substantially increased since social distancing measures have been put in place, according to Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Pritzker also said that the mortality rate in the state due to COVID-19 has increased.
Doubling rate is how long it takes for the state to double in cases or deaths. When doubling rate increases, that means it is taking longer for cases to double.
While COVID-19 numbers are still increasing, Pritzker says so is hospital capacities.
“In August of 2019, our state averaged about 25,500 total beds,” said Pritzker. “As of this weekend, our total bed count is about 30,000.”
The percentage of ICU beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has also dropped in the last week, going from 43% down to 40%. In the same time frame, total ventilators in use by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 29% down to 25%.
Pritzker said all of this is proof that Illinois is making progress.
“We are, in fact, bending the curve,” said Pritzker.
Pritzker says Illinoisans still have to adhere to the stay-at-home order, or the curve will not continue to flatten. He also said that he will not open Illinois until it is ready to do so, no matter what President Donald Trump says.
“I want kids to go back to school, and I want parents to go back to work,” said Pritzker. “But no matter what the President may say, I will do what’s best to safeguard the health and safety of Illinois’ residents.”
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Tuesday announced 1,222 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 74 additional deaths.
Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 23,247 cases, including 868 deaths, in 88 counties in Illinois. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to older than 100 years.
