CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Illinois state health officials on Tuesday reported 250 new cases of COVID-19, taking the statewide total to 1,535 cases.
The Pritzker Administration also announced four new deaths from the coronavirus; a Chicago resident in his 50s; two Cook County residents, both in their 60s; and a DuPage County resident in her 90s. That takes the number of Illinois fatalities to 16.
The number of Illinois counties reporting cases rose to 32. Grundy County is now reporting a case.
On Monday, state health officials reported 1,285 cases of novel coronavirus, across 31 counties.
The latest figures came as Gov. JB Pritzker gave his adminstration's daily update on the coronavirus outbreak in Illinois. Pritkzer, a Democrat, again criticized the federal government and the Trump Adminstration for not compelling industry to produce materials -- including ventilators and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for doctors and nurses -- needed to fight the pandemic. The Republican president has said he prefers manufacturers to volunteer their help.
Pritzker last week issued a temporary "stay at home" order to most Illinoisans, who are still allowed to shop for groceries and do other "essential" tasks in public. The order runs through April 7, and Prtizker indicated he'll let data and experts determine whether that is extended. He said he understands how painful this has been for businesses that effectively have shut down to allow for social distancing.
"I say again: You can't have a livelihood without a life," the governor said.
Pritkzer also reported that 180 retired health care providers have contacted state government to offer their services. The governor had asked medical retirees to help take some pressure off hospitals.
