(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus outbreak in Illinois on Sunday, April 19, 2020:
- As new coronavirus cases reached the second-highest number in a single day thus far, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker applauded community efforts that have brought positivity and hope to residents and healthcare workers combatting the pandemic. "That's the thing about Illinois — everywhere you look, there are people stepping up to fill the gap in people's lives, being the friend you need," Pritzker said at his daily press conference. READ MORE HERE.
- Gov. Pritzker is not letting pressure from the White House to reopen cloud his judgment on when he feels it's safe to lift the shelter-in-place order across Illinois. President Donald Trump's push to "liberate" three Democratic-led states was followed by protests against stay-at-home orders organized by small-government groups and Trump supporters Saturday. They staged demonstrations in several cities such as Austin, Texas; Concord, New Hampshire; and Indianapolis, Indiana. But unlike some governors, Pritzker said he doesn't feel the heat and will reopen Illinois when the science and data say it's safe to do so. READ MORE HERE.
- NEW NUMBERS: The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 1,197 new cases Sunday, including 33 new deaths. That takes the state's overall known total to 30,357 cases, including 1,280 deaths. "I don't want to be an agent of doom and gloom. People do recover from this disease," said IDPH head Dr. Ngozi Ezike, who delivers the state's coronavirus updates during Gov. Pritzker's daily coronavirus press briefings. SEE LATEST NUMBERS.
- A northwest suburban high school student in District 214 has died, likely of COVID-19, and at least one other student is in the intensive care unit due to the virus, Superintendent David Schuler announced Saturday. The student died last week "likely due to complications related to COVID-19," Schuler wrote in an update to families. READ MORE HERE.
- Gov. Pritzker announced that an airlift of personal protective equipment for the state will arrive in Illinois on Monday from China, following the first flight of PPE that landed earlier last week. "Most of the PPE that is manufactured in the world ... comes from China," Pritzker said during his Sunday coronavirus press briefing. READ MORE HERE.
This is a rapidly evolving situation. Stay tuned to WBBM Newsradio where we will remain live, local, and committed to bringing you the latest information during this outbreak. >>LISTEN LIVE!
