Governor expresses frustration in Saturday briefing

Posted on April 5, 2020
Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he is frustrated with the President’s lack of urgency for invoking the Defense Production Act.. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

 

By Dave Dahl

Illinois has passed the ten-thousand mark in coronavirus cases. Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, reported Saturday the new totals are 10,357 cases and 243 deaths.

Sangamon County added one case for 31, with two deaths.

Ezike, in Saturday’s daily coronavirus briefing, reinforced the need to stay home: “The more cases means the more hospitalizations. The more hospitalizations means the more deaths. Every gesture – or gesture that we forgo – can help decrease our deaths,” said Ezike. “We have seen clusters of cases in nursing homes, in assisted living facilities, correctional centers, mental health facilities, and developmental facilities alike.”

And the governor expressed frustration with the amount of supplies and equipment Illinois is getting from the federal government, with states which do not enact “stay at home” orders, and with the President’s lack of urgency for invoking the Defense Production Act.

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