April 15, 2020
Despite continually rising infection and fatality rates, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has said that the state may be reaching its peak on COVID-19 cases. In a news conference on Sunday (4/12), Gov. Pritzker said that the day’s reported infections – 1,672, the greatest single-day increase reported thus far – is due in large part to more tests being implemented. In the 24 hours prior, 8,000 tests had been administered; Pritzker estimated that the state would need to run 10,000 tests a day to adequately track the spread of COVID. As of Sunday, Illinois had 20,582 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 720 deaths.
Prtizker also pointed out that while the numbers are significant, they are also the lowest that they have been in a week, which he credits to proper observation of social distancing. He has also joined other governors in expressing concerns over the federal government’s goal to re-open the economy by early May.
By Wednesday (4/15), the infection rates had gone up again. According to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center, Illinois had 24,593 confirmed cases with 949 deaths. It is unclear if this increase is due to increased testing.
Source: O’Connor, John. 2020, April 12. Pritzker hopes Illinois COVID-19 numbers are leveling off. Associated Press.