State tops 2,000 new COVID-19 cases, but also nears 10,000 tests a day
New deaths drop back below 100, but toll passes 1,500
Gov. Pritzker attributed a single-day high in new COVID-19 cases to a new one-day high for tests run, approaching his goal of 10,000 a day. (Illinois.gov)
By Ted Cox
Illinois reported the largest single-day increase in COVID-19 cases Wednesday, but also ran its largest number of tests for the coronavirus as the state closed in on Gov. Pritzker’s stated goal of conducting 10,000 a day.
The state confirmed 2,049 new cases Wednesday, pushing the state total to 35,018. But deaths dropped back below 100 to 98, bringing the statewide toll to 1,565.
According to Pritzker, the reason for the jump in confirmed cases was “we tested more people,” with 9,300 conducted in a day, approaching the governor’s goal of 10,000.
He also announced two new state-run drive-through testing sites: in Aurora at the Chicago Premium Outlets mall, 1650 Premium Outlet Blvd., and starting Friday at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford at 1601 Parkview Ave. Pritkzer said those sites are available to anyone showing COVID-19 symptoms, with or without a doctor’s permission. They joined previous state drive-through testing sites in Markham, Harwood Heights, and Bloomington, and according to the governor they’ll be running a combined 2,900 tests a day.
The governor was joined by Illinois Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike in lauding health-care workers processing the tests as part of National Laboratory Professionals Week. “These tests are just swabs until lab professionals turn them into results,” Pritzker said.
“Testing will help us know just how widespread the virus is and what communities are being impacted most and where we need to target our responses,” Ezike said. Pointing out that some of those infected show no symptoms, she added, “With additional testing people will know if they are positive and then can take the appropriate precautions.”
“The better we do at this, the more likely it is that we can start to think about, OK, what are the safe ways to begin to reopen things, so that people can go back to work, people can go back to school,” Pritzker said. “Are there ways to do that that keep people safe?”
Pritzker repeated that adequate testing, a system of contact tracing, and an effective treatment for the coronavirus — along with sufficient personal protective equipment like masks — all have to be in place before the state and its residents can feel confident about ending the stay-at-home order. “We’re just not there yet,” he said.
The governor did not yet alter the current end of the stay-at-home order April 30. “We’re looking at an extension,” he said, “but I can’t tell you right now how long that extension should run.” He added that he had “considered” reopening state parks, but that he was concerned about park employees having to work together in violation of requirements for social distancing.
Pritzker said he was leery of plans by the Missouri governor to end that state’s restrictions May 4 and pointed to a coronavirus hot spot across the Mississippi River from St. Louis in the Metro East area. He said the Missouri governor had rejected an invitation to join other Midwestern states in a pact to coordinate moves to reopen the economy.
Pritzker rejected Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s suggestion that states should be allowed to file for bankruptcy in the crisis and renewed a call for additional federal aid to states — a position he said is shared by all governors. “It is vitally important,” he said. “We need that state and local support.”
Ezike repeated her daily reminders that people wash hands, cover coughs and sneezes, and observe social distancing, saying, “Please stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay home.”